How Do I Check My Engine Oil Level?

Reasons to Check Your Engine Oil Level

Before heading to the car, you should first understand why it's so important to stay on top of your engine oil level. Low or dirty engine oil can cause a number of mechanical issues in your vehicle, ultimately causing it to shut down and stop working entirely. Good engine oil can stop this by preserving engine lubrication, preventing excess condensation, cooling the engine, and preventing sludge buildup.

By checking your engine oil level, you're keeping up with how your vehicle functions and putting in the time to care for your vehicle. This can help prevent more serious repairs from being needed if you allow your engine oil level to get too low.

When to Check Your Engine Oil Level

The best time to check your engine oil level is when your engine is cold and the oil has had the chance to collect at the bottom of the engine oil pan. If your engine oil has fully made its way to the bottom of the engine oil pan, you're able to maintain an accurate reading of your engine's oil level. It usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes for a vehicle's oil to settle and the engine to cool.

The worst time to check your engine oil level is after driving or when your vehicle is warm or hot. Warm or hot conditions cause your engine oil to expand. When reading your engine oil level in a warm or hot vehicle, you won't be able to maintain an accurate reading.

Checking your engine oil level at least once a month when the vehicle is cold and topping it off accordingly is a great way to increase your vehicle's life span and stay on top of preventative maintenance.

How to Check Your Engine Oil Level

You should also know how to check your engine oil level for yourself. This can allow you to take the time to make sure everything is in good working order and that your vehicle remains safe to drive. Follow the following steps for checking your engine oil level:

• Make sure that you're parked on as level ground as possible.
• Prop open the hood of your car and locate the dipstick, which will typically have a bright orange handle with the word "OIL" on it.
• Pull out the dipstick, being careful not to turn it upside down.
• Wipe any oil off from its end. Then insert the dipstick back into its tube and push it all the way back in. Pull out the dipstick again.
• Read the dipstick by looking for two marks on the bottom that will indicate a full or low level of engine oil. If the oily section of the dipstick falls between these marks, you're good to go. Otherwise, you might want to have your oil checked and changed by a professional.

Have Your Oil Changed by a Professional

If you're checking your engine oil level in Syracuse or in the neighboring Oneida or Liverpool areas, stop in at Bill Rapp Subaru today to have your vehicle serviced by a professional. Our Subaru service center is home to a number of trained technicians to keep your Subaru running like new.

When you work with our professionals, we can get you back on your way with a fresh oil change in no time. Our oil change services include draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and adding new oil to ensure that your engine remains clean and safe for taking longer drives.

Signs That You Need an Oil Change

As you drive, you should be aware of certain signs to watch for that your vehicle is in need of an oil change. Observing these warning signs can help save you from more extensive repairs being needed down the road:

• Knocking Sounds from Engine-When your oil starts to get thin, it can create a knocking sound as your vehicle is in motion.
• Irregular Oil Texture-When you check the engine oil level, if you notice dirty oil that has darkened due to grime and particles, it's time for an oil change.
• Low Oil Level-If you notice a low oil level, either by checking yourself or from the indicator on your vehicle's dashboard, you should change the oil as soon as possible.
• Vibrations While Idling-If you notice abnormal vibrations while your vehicle is idling, this can be a sign to get your oil changed as soon as possible.
• Issues Changing Gears-If you start to notice difficulty changing gears, this can also be a sign that you should have your oil changed.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, bring your vehicle to our team and have our technicians take a look. We can help you identify if your issue is rooted in needing an oil change or if you need further engine repairs. We can diagnose your vehicle and get you on your way as soon as possible with your vehicle in good working order.