How to Check Car Oil

Your vehicle’s engine requires motor oil, and having the right amount is crucial for ensuring your vehicle is running properly and the moving parts are smoothly interacting, whether you’re sticking to the streets of Houston or Porter. Keep reading to learn more about how to check car oil from the service team at Texan GMC Buick with the service team today! 

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

While newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors so you don’t have to worry about using traditional dipsticks, you should start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you do need to check the oil manually, here are the steps to take: 

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.
5. Dipsticks indicate the proper oil level, so if the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it isn’t, you should add more oil.
6. Keep in mind, you’ll want to use the proper oil, recommended in your owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Is It Important to Check the Oil Level?

Often, oil can be overlooked, but the right oil level is crucial to maintaining your vehicle’s performance. It’s usually recommended to change your oil twice per year, and that can vary depending on the model and how it’s driven. You should be sure to check your oil checks at least once a month. This can keep you confident on Porter drives or road trips beyond New Caney roads. If you have observed that your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. This could be a sign that you have an oil leak and the engine is overheating. 

Visit the Texan GMC Buick Service Team in Humble Today!

If you need an oil change, you can save money with our service specials and get expert advice from our service team in Humble with ease. Schedule service with us today or contact us online for further assistance. We hope to be your go-to car service resource near New Caney!