How to Check Your Oil

How often do you check your oil? We have the steps on how to check the oil in your vehicle, and it’s an easier process than you might think if you’re newer to oil and oil changes. Learn more with us below as we go over these steps and tips from our dedicated service center in Orange.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

We recommend these steps below if you have a traditional oil dipstick. If your car has an electronic oil monitor that doesn’t utilize a dipstick, we recommend checking your specific make and model’s user manual. Here’s how to check the oil in your car with a dipstick:

1. Park your vehicle on level ground and make sure that the engine is turned off and cold before moving forward to these next steps.
2. Open your vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out and wipe any oil off of the end with a paper towel, rag, etc.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out again. Take a look at both sides to see where the oil level is for your vehicle.

Dipsticks each have a way of finding out the proper oil level for your vehicle. Look for two marks or a cross-hatched area or equivalent. If the oil is within both of these marks or within the cross-hatched area, your oil level should be okay. If it’s not, you’ll need more oil for your vehicle. If it’s been a long time, you probably need an oil change anyways.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Oil changes are necessary when your car’s oil is getting old, and checking your oil is the first step in this process. Your oil gets sludgy and less effective as it ages, and it can’t cushion your system and reduce friction and heat if it’s getting too mucky and old. It’s generally expected to change your oil twice a year depending on factors like how often you drive and how, and we recommend checking your owner’s manual for more specific information. Our service center can also handle all of your oil change needs!

How to Reset the Oil Change Light in Your Car

We don’t recommend resetting your oil light unless you’ve already changed your oil, as resetting your oil change light and still not changing your oil can lead to damaging your vehicle if you wait too long on an oil change.

• Turn all car systems off, but leave your 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.

Now the light should be reset on your vehicle. If your oil change light turns back on after resetting it and you’ve had an oil change, we highly recommend bringing your vehicle to our service center so that we can diagnose any potential issues with your vehicle and nip it in the bud.

Get Your Oil Change at Stadium Nissan Today

How often do you check your oil? Now you have a better understanding of how to check your oil and can start checking it every month or so. Curious about our oil change services? Contact our service center today for more information!