How to Check Car Oil

Checking your engine oil is a simple way to make sure your vehicle has what it needs for optimal performance. Maintaining proper oils levels allow all your engine’s parts to stay lubricated and function properly. Learn how to check the oil level in your car below with the service center at Suntrup Automotive Group, so you can maximize your vehicle’s performance on St. Louis streets today.

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

If you have a newer vehicle, you will want to check your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations, as some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use a traditional dipstick. To manually check your engine oil using a dipstick, follow these simple steps:

1. Park your vehicle on level ground and turn the engine off. Allow it to sit until the engine is cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then remove it again and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Your dipstick will have some sort of markings to indicate the engine oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, then your level oils are fine. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil. For more tips like knowing a general car maintenance schedule, how to maximize your tire life, and how to check your tire tread depth at home, rely on the experts at Suntrup Automotive Group.

What Color Should Oil Be?

Once you’ve learned how to check the oil level in your engine, you’ll want to be sure that your oil is the right color. If you’re like many Fenton drivers, then you may be unaware of what color proper oil is supposed to look like. Regular oil should be an amber color. Look out for rougher texture, darker color, or a burnt smell, as these are indicators of older oil. If you find metallic particles in your engine oil, then schedule service with Suntrup Automotive Group immediately.

If you visit our service center, be sure to use our service specials to save on your next repairs.

How to Top off Oil Engine Oil

If your vehicle is low on oil, then you can easily replace it right from your own St. Charles garage. To top off your vehicle’s oil, follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure to check your owner’s manual and buy the recommended grade for your model.
2. Locate the oil filler cap and remove it.
3. Slowly add a little oil to your engine until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

After you’ve topped off your engine with oil, be sure that you check the oil level in your engine one last time to ensure that the level of oil is at the proper amount. Keep in mind that topping off your oil should only be a temporary measure, and you’ll need to get your oil replaced eventually. Interested in continuing your research? We can also teach you the difference between premium and regular gasoline, or show you how to remove a car battery the right way.

Service Your Oil in St. Louis

Need an oil change or other vehicle services? Visit us near Fenton or contact us online for further assistance.

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