DIY: How to Check Car Oil

Think of your Ford’s engine, and how it requires motor oil to keep the vehicle running like the heart pumps blood. Knowing the right amount of motor oil needed to protect your engine is necessary when driving around in Visalia. Thankfully, it’s simple to learn how to check your car’s oil. The experts at Porterville Ford can show you how to check the oil level in a car with this step-by-step process. Then, be sure to visit our Porterville service center to get your next Ford oil change. 

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car: Four Easy Steps

For most vehicles, how to check your car oil level is shared information. However, with newer vehicles that have electronic oil indicators, the process doesn’t rely on the traditional dipstick method. Always consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific information. Otherwise, learn the manual method on how to check the oil level in your car with these steps:

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground in Tulare, with your emergency brake activated and engine turned off and cold. 
2. Open the vehicle hood and locate the dipstick required to check the oil.
3. Pull the dipstick and wipe away the excess oil from the end of it.
4. Put the dipstick back in its tube and pull it out. The oil level indicator on both sides will tell you where your oil is currently. 

When learning how to check car oil, how can you determine the proper oil level? The top of the oil streak, after you re-insert, should be between two marks or a cross-hatched area. If the amount shown is below the two marks, simply add more oil to the reservoir. Make sure the new oil you add is the recommended grade. 

Learn How To Keep Your Oil Level in Check in Porterville

Feeling satisfied with how to check your car oil? Then swing by our dealership near Porterville to take advantage of our service specials and find cheap ways to prolong your vehicle’s life on the highways of Delano. You’ll want to ensure your car’s oil is attended to, which means further educating yourself about what happens if you don’t change your car’s oil. (Hint: we do not recommend it!) Visit us or schedule an appointment today.