How to Check Oil

Motor oil is an extremely important part of maintaining your vehicle. It’s crucial to be sure you always have the right amount. This helps to protect all the engine’s internal moving parts, when you are navigating the roads of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Keep reading to learn more about how to check engine oil from the service team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk! 

How to Check Oil Level in Your Car at Home in Suffolk

There are lots of modern vehicles that have electronic oil monitors, and don’t use traditional dipsticks – these are typically more recent models. Start by checking your owner’s manual for the automaker’s recommendations of how to check oil levels. If you are checking the oil manually, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Pop the vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Once you locate the dipstick, pull it out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
4. Replace the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.
5. Your dipstick will have a sign that you’re at the right 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.
6. Purchase the recommended oil, remove the oil filler cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

How to Check Oil: Why Should You?

So, you know how to check engine oil. Oil changes can be one of the most overlooked services, but it’s one of the most important. Our team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk recommends oil changes at least twice yearly. This may vary depending on your model and how you use it. Take the time to check your oil at least once a month, this helps you feel confident that there are no leaks, and your car has enough oil for all your journeys throughout Suffolk. One thing to take into consideration: if you observe your car’s hood is hot to the touch or there is steam billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment without delay. This could be an oil leak causing the engine to overheat. 

How to Check Oil in Car & How to Reset Oil Change Light

The general process is the same for resetting the oil change light of your vehicle. We recommend only to reset the oil change light if you’ve actually changed your oil. If you miss an oil change you can cause significant damage to your car in the long run.

How to Check Oil Level & How to Reset Oil Change Light: 

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 (sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
4. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

Let the Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Norfolk Service Team Teach You How to Check Engine Oil

Now that you know how to check oil in cars, we are offering service specials and expert advice from our service team that is always ready to help. Take the time to schedule an appointment or contact us today for any help. We are happy to help you keep your vehicle running smoothly in Norfolk!