How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Motor oil is one key component that keeps your Buick, Cadillac, GMC vehicle going, so you need to make sure it is at the right level and in proper condition. With working oil, your car engine’s internal moving parts will be protected, so you can drive safely and confidently in Waianae. The service center at Honolulu Buick GMC has the following guide on how to check the oil level in your car, so you can familiarize yourself and ensure that your car will perform properly at all times! 

Steps on How to Check Oil in Car

If you have a newer vehicle, chances are they might use an electronic oil monitor which doesn’t have a traditional dipstick, so you should consult with your owner’s manual first. The steps on how to check the oil in a car manually are as follows: 

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and ensure 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. Put the dipstick all the way back into its tube, and then pull it back out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks will tell you where the proper oil 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, then you’ll need to add more oil. If you do need more oil, purchase the grade recommended in your owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, and then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates it’s at the proper level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

While most Ewa Beach drivers know to get oil changes on time and are familiar with how fast it can be, they might not know about checking the oil level themselves. You should check it at least once every month to ensure there’s no leak and the oil is at the right level. If you ever notice your car’s hood is too hot to touch or there’s steam coming out from under the hood, you will need to bring your car to our Honolulu service center immediately. Schedule an appointment as there could be an oil leak! 

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Now that you know how to check the oil level in your car, you will be performing the checks yourself. If you also perform oil changes yourself in Waipahu, you should know how to reset the oil change light as well. Each car has a specific process, but the general process is the same. After you change the oil, do the following: 

1. Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
2. Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (it is usually found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
3. Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (the sign of resetting may vary depending on the vehicle).
4. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, and then turn your car back on.

Turn to Honolulu Buick GMC Service Team for More Tips

How to check the oil in a car is just one of the things that you should know as a driver in the Honolulu area. Reach out to Honolulu Buick GMC for more tips or with any questions you have!