Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks, so start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking the oil manually, simply follow these steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks always have some way of indicating the proper oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil.

Be sure to buy the grade recommended in the owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, and then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Although oil is often overlooked, the right oil level is absolutely essential to your vehicle’s performance. Generally, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on the model and how it’s driven. Oil checks should be performed at least once a month. This way, you can always feel confident that there are no leaks, and that your car has enough oil for all your journeys through Tifton. That being said, if you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam is billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment without delay. Your car could have an oil leak and the engine is overheating. 

How to Reset Your Oil Change Light

While each vehicle has a specific process for resetting the oil change light, the general process is the same. However, you’ll only want to reset the oil change light if you’ve actually changed your oil. If you accidentally miss an oil change, it can damage your car in the long run.

 Step-by-Step:

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

At this point, the oil light should be reset. If you have any questions regarding how to reset your oil change light, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!