How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is the essential fluid for keeping your Toyota vehicle running at peak performance around Chicago. Just the right amount ensures your engine’s internal moving parts are protected. At the Advantage Toyota of River Oaks service center, we get a lot of questions about regular vehicle maintenance. Wondering how to check car oil levels? Learn more below, and don’t hesitate to call us with any questions.

Learn How to Check The Oil Level in a Car

Some newer Toyota models feature electronic oil monitors that don’t utilize traditional dipsticks, so begin by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations. If you’re checking your oil manually, follow these steps: 

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

Dipsticks have a way of indicating your vehicle’s proper oil level. If the top of your oil streak is between the 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 you also buy the grade of oil recommended in your owner’s manual.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

It’s important to know how to check oil levels regularly, as it’s essential to your vehicle’s overall performance. Usually, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on your Toyota model and how it’s driven.

Now that you know how to check your oil level in a car, remember to perform oil checks at least once a month. That way, you’ll make sure there are no leaks and you have enough oil for all your South Holland and Dolton journeys. If your car’s hood is too hot to touch or there’s steam billowing out, schedule a service appointment immediately! You might have an overheating engine or an oil leak.

Let the Advantage Toyota of River Oaks Service Team Help 

Now that you know how to check car oil, it’s important to schedule an oil change when it’s necessary to do so. Before calling Advantage Toyota of River Oaks, review our service specials and see how much you can save on your next visit. Whether it’s brake repair or your cabin air filter, our technicians can help keep your Toyota model to keep working at its best for years to come. Beyond how to check your oil level in a car, Advantage Toyota of River Oaks can keep your vehicle at peak performance!