How to Check Car Oil

Engine oil is essential to your vehicle, and it’s important you always make sure there’s the right amount if you want your engine and all its moving parts to work correctly. If you want to learn how to check your vehicle’s oil at home, we at Tulley Mazda can help. If you would like a technician to take a look for you, schedule service at our service center and we’ll have you back on Hudson roads in no time at all.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

First start by checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see the automaker’s recommendations as some newer vehicles have electronic monitors instead of the traditional dipstick. If you can check the oil manually, follow these steps:

• 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.
• 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.

Dipsticks always have some way of indicating the proper oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil. Always be sure to check the owner’s manual for the right type of oil needed, remove the oil filler cap, then slowly add little by little until the dipstick shows your vehicle is filled to the proper level.

Oil Change Tips

Whether you’re checking the oil yourself or having a technician from our service center check it out, it’s helpful to know these few oil change facts:

• Even if you don’t drive your car much, you’ll still want to get an oil change at least twice a year. Oil breaks down over time even if your car isn’t being used.
• Whenever you get your oil changed, ask to have the oil filter changed as well. If you’re looking to do this yourself, check out our parts department to save on an oil filter if you’re doing a DIY oil change.
• Wondering whether to use synthetic vs. conventional oil? Check your owner’s manual. Synthetic oil can cost more, but some vehicles require it.

Let the Tulley Mazda Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

If a DIY oil change isn’t something you want to try, contact the Tulley Mazda service center to schedule an appointment. Also be sure to check out our service specials to help you save more on the maintenance your vehicle needs. Have questions in the meantime about oil changes, such as how often to change your oil, your winter emergency car kit, or other automotive subjects like tire rotation, the Mazda3 tire sizes, gap insurance, to compare the Mazda CX-9 vs. Honda Pilot, or overheating engines? Don’t hesitate to contact Tulley Mazda.