How to Check Car Oil

Imagine if you tried to run a race and your body was depleted of water. You probably wouldn’t make it very far, and you might really hurt yourself. That’s what happens when you drive without enough motor oil, or with oil that needs to be changed. Motor oil is what keeps your car running on the roads in Fairmont. Checking it is really easy and can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. If your oil’s running low, or you’re due for an oil change, the Toyota-trained technicians in the service department at University Toyota are ready for you. You can even schedule your oil change online and learn how to save fuel while driving.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Your car’s owner’s manual will tell you how often the manufacturer suggests changing your oil. Still, there are occasions when you might need to make sure you have enough oil. If your engine or oil lights come on and you’re not due for an oil change, you will definitely want to check your oil levels. Here’s how:

• Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
• Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick. If needed, refer to your owner’s manual.
• Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
• 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.

If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a crosshatched area, the oil level is good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil. Be sure to buy the grade recommended 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. If you notice oil splotches on your driveway accompanied by surprise low oil levels, contact our service department to check for oil leaks.

Take Care of Your Toyota with University Toyota!

From oil changes for Kingwood drivers to how often should you change the oil, how long does an oil change take, the best car emergency kit, tire-buying for Deep Creek, MD roads, or even what the difference between a moonroof and a sunroof is, contact the service department at University Toyota to keep your long-lasting Toyota on the road for years to come.