How to Check Car Oil

Our vehicles need oil to run properly. Brownwood drivers looking to learn how to check their car’s oil are in good hands with this quick guide from Bayer Auto Group. Checking your car’s oil is easy, and our service center has everything you need to know.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

We always recommend first checking your car’s user manual to figure out your specific automaker’s recommendations when it comes to oil. Some newer models out on Granbury roads have electronic oil monitors, and these electronic oil monitors don’t use traditional dipsticks. Here are the steps to follow if you’re checking the oil manually:

1. Make sure your vehicle is on level ground and make sure that the engine is turned off and cold. 
2. Open your vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe off any oil from the end of the stick with a rag or paper towel. Doing this ensures that when you place the dipstick back in, you’ll get a clear, level reading.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way down into its tube, and then pull it back out. Look at both sides of the dipstick to see where the level is.
5. Dipsticks always have a way of indicating the proper oil level, but they can vary based on the vehicle. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, your car’s oil level is good to go. If not, then you’ll need to add more oil. It may also be time for an oil change if it’s been long enough.

If you’re adding oil to your vehicle, be sure to buy the grade recommended in your owner’s manual. When you’re adding the oil, remove the oil filter cap and add the oil a little at a time. Check your oil level with the dipstick until it’s sufficiently filled.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Checking your oil once a month is generally recommended because your car’s oil is essential to your vehicle’s performance. Oil changes are usually recommended twice a year depending on factors like how often you drive and how the car is driven. If your car’s hood is unusually hot to the touch or steam is billowing out from under the hood, stop driving your vehicle immediately and schedule service for your car. You may be experiencing an oil leak and your engine may be overheating.

How to Reset Your Oil Change Light

We recommend only resetting your oil change light after you’ve changed your oil and the notification won’t turn off. If you reset your oil change light without changing your oil, you put your vehicle at risk.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (it’s typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (the sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

The oil light should be reset after these steps. If you’re still experiencing issues– or your light won’t go off– we recommend reaching out to our service team to help diagnose your vehicle for potential issues.

Get your Next Oil Change at Bayer Auto Group

Contact our service center today if you have any questions about how to check the oil level in your car or if you’re interested in one of our service specials. Our team can easily take care of your next oil change with friendly and speedy service!