How to Check Car Oil

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some more recent cars come equipped with electronic oil monitors, so conventional dipsticks are not necessary. Details on how to check your car’s oil level can be found in the owner’s manual. Simply carry out the following actions to manually check the oil:

• Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the engine is turned off and cold.
• Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
• Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
• Re-insert the dipstick back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks have indicators that show the right amount of oil is in the car. The top oil level should be between two marks or within a cross-hatched area to indicate a reasonable level. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil. Make sure to purchase the grade specified in the owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, and then gradually add oil until the dipstick indicates the appropriate level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Your car’s performance depends on keeping the oil level right. Oil changes are typically recommended at least twice a year depending on the model and how the vehicle is driven. Oil checks should be performed at least once per month. By following these steps, you can ensure that your car always has enough oil for all of your trips through Mill Valley and that there are no leaks. In light of this, schedule service right away if you notice steam coming from underneath the hood of your car or that it is warm to the touch. Your car can overheat or have an oil leak. 

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Although each vehicle has a different process for resetting the oil change light, every car uses the same general process. The oil change light should be reset only after performing an actual oil change. Accidentally skipping an oil change could result in long-term damage to your vehicle.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step:

• Turn all systems in your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light flashes (signs of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

Resetting the oil light is now necessary. If you have any questions about how to reset your oil change light, please reach out to our friendly team.

Let the Marin Honda Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

The knowledgeable staff at Marin Honda is ready to assist you with any inquiries you may have regarding changing your oil or taking advantage of our assortment of recurring service specials. Then, make a reservation online and let our staff handle the grubby work for you! And for more helpful reads, check out what causes a car to overheat!