How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is an often overlooked yet critically important component of your vehicle’s overall health. Due to that importance, it’s necessary to keep an eye on your oil volume and learn how to check car oil. Luckily, the Del Grande Dealer Group has experts throughout the Bay Area who can help you with all of your automotive concerns. Learn how to check the oil level in a car with our service experts below!

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in a Car

Learning how to check car oil isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds. For starters, most new vehicles have an electronic oil monitoring system, so your car will alert you when fresh oil is needed. You’ll want to start by checking your owner’s manual for recommendations in this area. If you are going to check things out manually, learn how to check the oil level in a car through these steps below:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and be sure to allow the engine time to cool after turning it off.
2. Open the hood of your vehicle and locate the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and clean any oil with a fresh rag.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the tube, then pull it out again. Check both sides to see where the level stands.
5. If your oil level is within the two markings or the cross-hatched area, you’re in good shape. If the level is low, you’ll need to top it off.
6. Slowly add the proper grade of oil until the volume is sufficient.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Now that you know how to check your car’s oil level, you may be wondering why you should even check it in the first place. Although oil is often taken for granted, it’s truly essential to your vehicle’s performance. In most cases, oil changes are recommended once every six months, depending on your model and the way you drive. Following this schedule will allow you to drive through San Jose with confidence, knowing that your oil isn’t leaking.

However, if you notice that your car’s hood is hot to the touch or you spot steam billowing out from underneath your hood, book an appointment at one of our locations near San Francisco right away. Your car may have an oil leak, causing your engine to overheat.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

While each model may have a slightly unique process for resetting the oil light, the general steps are the same. If you have a DIY spirit and enjoy taking on oil changes in your own Sunnyvale garage, you’ll want to learn how to turn that oil change light off. However, you’ll only want to reset your oil change light if you’re confident that you’ve properly changed your oil. Missing an oil change can be detrimental to your vehicle in the long run.

How to Reset Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step:

• Leave your engine running, but turn off all other systems.
• Find the “reset” button or stick, typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge on your dash.
• Hold down the button until the oil change light starts to flash.
• Turn off the ignition, wait for a few moments, then turn your car back on.

After following this procedure, your oil change light should be reset. If you have any questions about the process or prefer to let the pros work on your vehicle, contact us to find a location near you!

Turn to Del Grande Dealer Group for Automotive Care

Now that you know how to check car oil, you can monitor your vehicle like a seasoned professional. If you decide you’d rather turn the keys over to us and kick back while we handle the car care, not a problem! You can save big on your next visit by enjoying our service coupons! With locations throughout the Bay Area, quality car care is just around the corner at one of our locations!