How to Check Car Oil

Your vehicle’s engine running smoothly on the St Louis roads is dependent on having clean oil, which is why it’s crucial that you know how to check your oil. Luckily, you don’t have to be a master mechanic to keep your oil levels in check. Learn how to check oil level in a car with the service center at Suntrup Kia South, and keep an eye on the condition of your vehicle’s oil.

Importance of Checking Your Oil Level

Before we talk about how to check car oil in your vehicle, it’s important to know why you should check your oil regularly. Most vehicles have a recommended oil change of at least twice a year, but this can vary depending on the vehicle you have and your driving habits. You should check your oil at least once a month so that you can confidently check that there are no leaks and that the car has an appropriate level of oil. If you notice that the hood of your car is hot to touch or see steam coming from under the hood, then schedule a visit to our service center at Suntrup Kia South in St. Louis right away as this could be the cause of an oil leak or overheating.

Checking your oil will alert you if you need an oil change or if there are more serious issues.

How to Check Oil Level in Your Car Step by Step

To learn how to check oil level in your car, simply follow these steps:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and turn the engine off, letting it cool down.
2. Pop open the hood and locate the dipstick. Keep in mind that some vehicles with electric motors won’t have a dipstick, so consult your owner’s manual.
3. Once you find the dipstick, pull it out and wipe away the oil on the end of it.
4. Put the dipstick back into the tube, pull it back out, and look at both sides to see where the oil level is.

Some dipsticks are different, but you’re basically wanting to make sure that the oil level is between the “low” and “full” markings. If it’s below the “low” marking, then you’ll need an oil change. Make sure you use the right oil, remove the oil filler cap, and add enough oil until the dipstick indicates the oil is at a proper level. This will hold you off until you can get an oil change at our service center near Jefferson County.

Resetting the Oil Change Light

Sometimes, the oil change light will appear even after you’ve had an oil change. This is perfectly normal and can be resolved with a simple process:

1. Turn off all of the systems in your car, and leave the engine running.
2. Locate the “reset” button or “reset” stick on the dashboard. It can usually be found next to the speedometer or the fuel gauge.
3. Hold down the “reset” button until the oil change light starts flashing.
4. When the light flashes, turn off the ignition, wait a few moments, and then turn your vehicle back on.

Your oil change light should now be reset. For other questions about the oil change light, ordering parts, or anything else related to caring for your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to Suntrup Kia South or make the drive from St Charles to our dealership.

Check Your Oil Levels at Suntrup Kia South

Contact us if you’re unsure of how to check car oil or don’t want to do it yourself. We’d be happy to take a look and let you know if you need an oil change.