How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Whether you’re cruising Philadelphia streets or taking your adventure off-road, you can trust the service team at Land Rover West Chester to make sure your vehicle is using the right type of motor oil in the right amount in order to protect your engine’s internal moving parts. Read on to learn more about how to check car oil levels.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Begin by consulting your owner’s manual for a recommended maintenance schedule as well as oil change information specific to your vehicle. Some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks and the automaker may provide alternative recommendations for proper care. If you’re able to check the oil manually, simply follow these steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Pop open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine, wiping off any oil from the end of it with a paper towel or rag.
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.

Dipsticks always have some way of indicating the proper oil level. 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’ll need to add more motor oil. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns or if you would like to schedule a service appointment at our dealership in West Chester.

If you’re changing your car’s oil at home or simply topping off until you can get to a service center, be sure to buy the grade recommended in your owner’s manual, adding oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level. Avoid overfilling as it can cause serious damage to your car’s engine.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Although automotive fluids are often overlooked, the right motor oil level is absolutely essential to your vehicle’s performance. Generally, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on the model and how it’s driven. To ensure you catch any leaks and that your car has enough oil for all your journeys through Exton, you should perform oil checks at least once a month.

If you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam is billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment at the nearest service center without delay. Your car could have an oil leak, and the engine may be overheating.

Let Land Rover West Chester Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

Our dealership offers rotating service specials and expert advice to help you get the most out of your Land Rover, all at the best value. We hope to be your go-to car service resource near Chester Springs and the surrounding areas. Our service team is always ready to help!