Fast, Quick, Easy: Checking Your Oil

QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE TIME.

You should be checking your oil at least once a month. The best practice is to check it every time you get gas.

This is because your oil is a powerful diagnostic tool! It will tell you that your engine is doing well… or if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed.

It takes only a hot second to check your oil, so it’s not an inconvenience.

You’ll also seem like a total expert when people see you doing it, and when you can talk to your service techs about your engine.

Trust us. Check your oil. Here is how to do it.

• Open the hood. Prop it so it stays open.
• Locate the oil dipstick next to the engine. It should have a yellow handle and/or be labeled.
• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Dip the stick all the way back in.
• Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s in the middle of the hatched/indicated area, you’re good. More is better, less is okay, but if you’re lower than the area you need to get your oil topped up and have your system checked for leaks.
• Look at the oil quality and color. If there are a lot of particles or if the oil looks sludgy, you need to get it changed as soon as possible.
• Put the dipstick back in.
• Close your hood.

Congratulations, friend. You’ve done it. We’re really proud of you.