How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Local drivers like to keep their cars running in top shape. The expert service staff at Cornerstone Chevrolet strives to help our customers to do just that. But there are easy things almost any driver can do between visits to the mechanic that are important to maintaining their car. One of those things is checking the oil. So we break down how to check car oil in just a few simple steps. Of course, if you need any help with your vehicle, bring it into our service center.

How to Check Car Oil in 4 Easy Steps

Knowing how to check the oil level in your car is important to extending the life of it. But checking car oil isn’t complicated. You’ve probably seen it done many times. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the hood of your car while it is turned off and the engine has cooled down.
• Locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe the oil off of the end of it with a rag or paper towel.
• Re-insert the dipstick all the way.
• Pull out the dipstick again and examine the tip.

How Do I Read the Dipstick?

You can’t know how to check car oil without knowing how to read the dipstick. Near the tip of most dipsticks, there is a small cross-hatched area on one side. If the oil comes up to a point within that cross-hatched area, there is no need to add oil. If the oil comes up somewhere below the cross-hatched area, then it will be necessary to add oil (usually a quart if it comes close to the cross-hatched area).

Schedule Service at Cornerstone Chevrolet

Knowing how to check the oil level in your car is important, but you will still need to bring your car in to have the oil changed at regular intervals. Cornerstone Chevrolet makes it easy. You can even schedule service online. Don’t forget to check out our service specials. And while you’re here, take a look at our inventory of new cars. Stop by for service or contact us today!