How to Check Car Oil

The motor oil in your Honda car, truck, or SUV is essential to keeping your engine running smoothly and efficiently on Midland roads, and knowing how to check the oil level in your car can help you to avoid a possible breakdown and costly repair bills down the road. The service experts at Brown Honda of San Angelo have created this step-by-step guide on how to check your car oil. The next time your Honda CR-V or Accord is due for an oil change, schedule an appointment with us.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some newer vehicles are equipped with an electronic oil monitor that can inform you of the current oil level in your car. Make a point of checking your owner’s manual to find out if your vehicle has an oil monitor or a traditional dipstick. If it’s the latter, just follow these steps to check your oil level:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and make sure that the engine is turned off and has had a chance to cool down.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe off any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, and then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the oil level is.

There are markings on the dipstick that indicate where the proper oil level should be. If the top of the oil streak is between the two marks, or if it is within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it is down at the tip of the dipstick, you’ll need to add more oil. To add oil, remove the oil filler cap and pour the oil in a little at a time. Recheck the oil level with the dipstick to ensure that you’ve added enough while being careful not to overfill. If you are unsure of what the recommended oil grade is for your specific make and model, consult your owner’s manual.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Regularly checking the oil level in your car is a critical part of ensuring that your vehicle runs safely in top condition, and we recommend that you do so at least once a month. That way, you can catch any potential leaks or other problems that can lead to expensive repairs. If the hood of your car is hot to the touch, or if there’s steam escaping from the engine compartment, bring your car into our Service Center near Lubbock as soon as possible. These are signs that your engine is overheating, which can cause severe damage. Of course, staying up-to-date on your oil change schedule is also strongly recommended. Plus, oil changes give our certified service techs a chance to make sure that everything is working as it should.

Get Expert Auto Care Today at Brown Honda of San Angelo

When your Honda is due for an oil change, visit the Brown Honda of San Angelo Service Center. To help make your regular Honda maintenance more affordable, we offer a variety of rotating service specials and coupons on everything from oil changes and tire rotations to brake replacements and transmission service. Whether you need advice on your Honda Civic maintenance schedule or CR-V service, we’re here to help. If you plan on changing your car oil yourself, stop by our Parts Center for the correct oil and filter for your Honda model. Our team can also help you offer more help including our guide on how to check the color of your brake fluid. Have questions? Contact our Service Center online, or give us a call at 325-949-7000.