How to Check Car Oil

When it comes to protecting your engine, maintaining your car’s motor oil is critical. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram vehicle and helps to keep the engine’s internal parts and you moving through the streets of Altoona. Learn more about how to check car oil from the service team at McCall Motors!

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

The first step is to start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations; some newer vehicles don’t use traditional dipsticks and have electronic oil monitoring systems instead. For vehicles that do use dipsticks follow these simple steps:

1. Park your vehicle on level ground and ensure the engine is both off and cold.
2. Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe away any oil from the end of it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick back into its tube and then pull it out again looking at both sides to ensure the proper level of oil. 

There will be some way of indicating the proper oil level on the dipstick. Commonly there will be either two marks or a cross-hatched area, if the oil on your dipstick is within either of these areas the oil level is good. If it isn’t, you will need to add more oil a little at a time until you’ve reached the proper level on the dipstick. Also, be sure to follow the oil grade recommended in your owner’s manual. 

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Although checking oil is often overlooked, it is essential to your vehicle’s performance and maintenance. Generally speaking, you should be checking the oil on your car once a month and having the oil changed at least twice a year. Doing so will ensure that there are no leaks and that your car has enough oil for all your Johnstown travels. However, if your car’s hood is hot to the touch or you see steam coming out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. This could be an indicator that the engine is overheating or that you have an oil leak. 

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Each vehicle has a specific process for resetting the oil change light, however, the general process is the same. It is very important that you only reset the oil change light if you have actually changed your oil. Resetting your oil change light without changing the oil can cause you to miss an oil change in the future and damage your vehicle in the long run. 

How to Reset Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step:

1. While leaving the engine running, turn off all systems of your vehicle. 
2. Locate the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (this is typically near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
3. Hold down the button until the oil change light begins to flash (sign of resetting may differ from vehicle to vehicle)
4. Turn off the ignition, wait a few seconds, and then turn your vehicle back on.

Your vehicle’s oil light should now be reset! If you have any questions regarding resetting your oil change light or about your vehicle’s oil, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Let the McCall Motors Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

Our service team is always ready to offer expert advice and to answer any questions. Schedule service with us today or for further assistance contact us online.