How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is crucial for your Honda vehicle to perform properly, and you should always ensure there’s the right amount of oil to protect your engine’s internal components. Aren’t sure how to check the oil level in a car? Apostolakis Honda has you covered! Read this guide from our service team to learn how to check car oil right at home in Warren! 

How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car: A Step-by-Step Process

For this process, you’ll be checking the dipstick–which indicates the proper oil level–located under your car’s hood. 

Some newer vehicles in Boardman have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks, so you’ll want to check your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking the oil manually, follow the steps below:

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 locate the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it. 
4. Re-insert the dipstick back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

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. Make sure to purchase oil that’s required for your specific vehicle, which you find detailed in your owner’s manual. To add more oil, you’ll remove the oil filler cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Do You Need to Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

While oil is commonly overlooked, having the right oil level is highly important for your vehicle to perform well on Youngstown roads. It’s recommended that drivers get an oil change at least twice a year, but your oil change frequency will vary depending on your car’s model and your driving habits. As for oil checks, these should be performed at least once a month so you can check for any leaks or potential issues. That being said, if you notice that your car’s hood is hot to the touch or there’s steam coming from it, schedule a service appointment immediately. This is an indicator that your car could have an oil leak and the engine is overheating. 

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Each vehicle has a specific process for resetting the oil change light, but there still tends to be a general process. Although, you’ll 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. Here are the steps on how to reset an oil change light: 

• 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.

Learn More From the Apostolakis Honda Service Team Today!

From how to check car oil to how often to rotate your tires, Apostolakis Honda is here to provide you with expert advice! Contact us at 800-900-4600 today if you have any additional questions about your car’s oil level. Also, don’t forget that when your vehicle needs an oil change or any routine maintenance service, we offer service specials that will keep your car in prime condition for a great price!