Q: How do I check the engine oil?

asked by on January 20, 2016

How do I check the engine oil?

Checking the engine oil is something that you should do with regularity, and always before you start a long drive. Here’s how you can check the oil.

  1. Turn off the vehicle and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This gives the engine time to cool off, which gives a more accurate oil reading.

  2. Pop the hood, and prop it open with the hood prop.

  3. Locate the dipstick, which has a yellow circular handle.

  4. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off on a soft cloth or paper towel. Return the dipstick to its original position.

  5. Pull out the dipstick a second time, and see where the oil level is. If the oil level is below the cross-hatched area on your dipstick, then your oil levels are low, and you should add more oil.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Driver window won't go up
I’ll assume you have power windows. There are two key components. The lift motor, and the regulator. Either one could be the problem. It could also be a defective switch, or a wiring issue. A qualified mechanic from YourMechanic can...
Service Engine Light is on
This indicator is part of the onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system, and in all cases, it indicates a problem with your emissions system. Basically, it is an emissions monitoring system. A Check Engine indictor will stay solid or blink. If the...
As I drive, the door locks and keep locking and unlocking, and acceleration seems sluggish.
Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time this is due to a bad connection or a failing ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-ignition-switch). If this is occurring with the locks as well as a power loss then you may have a...
Car shaking and you smell fumes when start up
This may be a sign of a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is a unit in the intake system that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected...
I hear a small noise every time I accelerate the gas
With the information you have provided, it sounds like you may be hearing the air as it is being drawn into the intake manifold. There are other possible causes, but this is the first thing that comes to mind when...
when first started or ignition switch is turned on 2009 ford expedition starts clicking noise in dashboard
That is most likely a malfunctioning component in the ventilation controls, such as an actuator or blend door. It's actually not uncommon and thus there are quite a few reports of this "clicking". To resolve it requires a bit of...
My Lincoln MKZ Rear Left Lid Tail Light Tail Lamp , the brake light is out I need the part number to order
Hi Donald. Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, we typically don't look up parts by VIN number to supply you with a part number, as this is something that needs to be done by a dealership. I've forwarded your inquiry to...
My Honda Odyssey doesn’t have a daytime light fuse, it that why my DRL not working?
Hi Daisy. Thanks for contacting us today. The daytime running light system on the Odyssey is activated through a module and relay switch and is not an independently powered system requiring a fuse. If this system is not working, it's...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The The 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class is a mid-size luxury SUV that combines utility and comfort to make the perfect every day vehicle. It can handle almost any terrain with its all-wheel drive model. Drivers and passengers will experience a quiet...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Buick Regal
The The 2012 Buick Regal is definitely not the Regal of yesteryear you may have heard your grandparents fawn over. This mid-size sedan has a lot of modern features that start at the engine and stretch all the way to...
2012 Nissan Sentra vs. 2012 Nissan Altima: Which One Should I Buy?
When you consider the Nissan Sentra versus the Nissan Altima, you need to realize that you’re crossing between two different classes of vehicle: the Altima is a mid-size sedan while the Sentra is a compact sedan. The differences between the...