How to Check Car Oil

Checking oil level on dipstick

Your car’s oil is what keeps its engine running smoothly while driving around White City. It also works to clean the engine and block out dirt and debris, which is why it’s important to know how to check the oil level in your car. If you’re not sure how to check your car’s oil, then don’t worry. Take a look at this easy-to-use guide put together by the service centre at Capital GMC Buick | Regina!

How to Check Your Car’s Oil Level Step by Step

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.

You can find the right oil and parts to perform an oil check at our parts centre. The best part is that you don’t even have to make the drive from Lumsden since parts can be bought from us online. 

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Why is it important to know how to check the oil level in your car? Although oil is often overlooked, the right oil level is absolutely essential to your vehicle’s performance on the roads of Moose Jaw. Generally, oil changes are recommended at least twice yearly, depending on the model and how it’s driven, but 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 drives. 

That being said, if you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment without delay. Your car could have an oil leak, and the engine may be overheating. 

How to Reset the 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.

To reset the oil change light, simply follow these steps: 

  1. Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
  2. Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
  3. Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash.
  4. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, and 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 or how to check the oil level in your car, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!

Schedule Oil Service in Regina!

Now that you know how to check your car’s oil level, contact us for any other service questions you have. We’re here to help you keep your vehicle running like new wherever you go, and we can handle major and minor service requests. 

Learn More at Capital GMC Buick | Regina

    Capital GMC Buick | Regina 50.498098, -104.639020.