How to Check Your Oil Level

 
The motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It serves a number of functions, including protecting the internal moving parts of your Honda engine. When you are driving around Louisville, or you are taking on the roads less traveled outside of Broomfield, you want to trust that your vehicle can bring you where you need to go. Learning how to check oil levels in cars is a simple and crucial piece of information to keep your Honda vehicle running smoothly. The service team at Fisher Honda goes over step-by-step directions for how to check car oil, below. 

 

How to Check Oil Level in Cars

Modern vehicles can sometimes be equipped with electronic oil monitors, meaning they don’t require the traditional dipstick used for manually checking your transmission. If you aren’t sure which type your vehicle has or you can’t find the dipstick, check your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking the oil manually, here’s what to do:

 

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Give the vehicle enough time to completely cool down.
2. Pop the vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe the oil from the end of it.
4. Then, re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, and when you pull it out check both sides to see where the level is.
5. The dipstick will have some way of informing you whether it’s at the proper level, if the top of the oil lines up between two marks or in a cross-hatched area, then it’s correct.
6. If the oil doesn’t line up between these markings you will need to add more oil.
7. Buy the grade recommended by the manufacturer (you can find this in the 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 Know How to Check Car Oil Level?

Oil can often be overlooked, many Longmont drivers have watched their oil light come on and thought they could wait a few days. However, it’s essential to have the right oil levels to keep your vehicle running properly. In general, oil changes should be done about twice yearly, but this depends on how the vehicle is driven. You should check your oil level at least once a month. 

Checking your oil can help you confirm that you aren’t having any leakage. If you feel your car’s hood is hot to the touch or there is steam billowing out from under the hood, these are signs you have an oil leak. Oil leaks can cause the engine to overheat and seriously damage your vehicle. If you notice any signs of an oil leak, schedule a service appointment in Boulder ASAP. 

Keep Your Car in Optimal Condition with the Team at Fisher Honda!

Our service team at Fisher Honda has service specials and expert advice on hand, and we are always ready to help. You can schedule service with us today or contact us online if you have questions about your vehicle. We hope to be a reliable service resource near your Longmont home!