How to Check Your Car's Oil

In order to keep your car running at its peak performance, it is critical to maintain your oil. There should be just the right amount of oil and it should not be too dark. You should make a regular habit of checking your motor oil.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Vehicle to Check

1. The best time to check oil is after the car has been running for a few minutes (after running to the store, or just leaving your car on for a short period of time). After the car has warmed up, pop your hood.

2. Locate the dipstick. The dipstick is long skinny piece of metal that rests in the oil reservoir. The handle is usually round and colored (usually yellow or red).

3. Pull the dipstick out and clean it with a paper towel to remove any oil (If the car was running for a little bit, the oil will not be hot). Look at the bottom of the dipstick and you will see a marking that indicates where the oil level should be.

4. Insert the dipstick back into the reservoir. Make sure the dipstick is all the way in to guarantee an accurate reading.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the reading. The oil on the dipstick should be up to the marking on the bottom of it. If it is low you need to add more, and keep an eye out for an oil leak. You should also look at the color and consistency of the oil. If the oil is dark and thick, it is time to change the oil.