If you want to ensure your vehicle is always working properly, you should always check on the fluids in your vehicle first. It is very easy to determine when it’s time to replace your fluids, especially your Oil. Out of All the fluids in your vehicle, oil is most likely the one you will have to change generally every six-seven months of driving.
How and When To Check Your Oil
Step 1: Park your Car
You will need a fair level surface to park your car before you check your oil. If you are on an uneven surface, it should give you a false read on how much oil you have in your vehicle or if it’s too soon to replace it. Parking on a level surface will ensure an accurate read on how high your oil is and if you need to add more.
Step 2: What is the Temperature of your Vehicle?
If you have just been driving for a couple hours, you will want to wait for your engine to cool down sufficiently before checking your oil. If you check it too soon, it can cause the oil gauge to release a lot of hot air potentially burning your hand or splattering oil residue on your vehicle. Give your car time to cool down or check it when your vehicle is fairly close to the ambient temperature around you.
Step 3: Make Sure Your vehicle is Not On.
Simply put if your vehicle is on it can cause oil to splatter and may cause damage to yourself or even the vehicle. Depending on the condition of your vehicle much worse can occur if you are checking your oil while the engine is on that may cause some serious damage to your car!
Step 4: Pull out the Dipstick and clean it.
Your Oil valve in your vehicle has a dipstick that reaches into the oil reservoir in your car. Be sure to wipe it off before inserting it again to get the best reading on the condition of the oil in your car.
Step 5: Dip the Dip Stick Back All The way
Once you have cleaned off the dipstick gently dip the dipstick back into the valve, let it sit for a moment and then pull it back out. This will ensure you get the best reading on the condition of the oil in your vehicle.
Step 6: Pull out the Dipstick and Analyze the Oil.
Your Oil should have a shimmering brown color to it. Over time the oil will start to turn into a darker color or even pick up some sludge on the way out. This is generally a good indicator that it is time to replace your oil or your oil filter.
You will also need to check your oil level. There is generally a marker on the dipstick that shows what your oil should be at. If your oil level is too low, add more, if it is too high, you will need to drain or siphon some of it out.
D&D Automotive Repair is the best place to help you maintain your vehicle!
If you are not confident in checking your own oil or need to replace the Oil in your vehicle, Bring your car into D&D Automotive Repair and our friendly associates will ensure that you are confident with the vehicle you are driving and give you good advice on how to maintain your car. With a great deal on all of our services, we will ensure that you get the best deals on your vehicle’s maintenance and get in and out as quickly as possible. If you are unsure about anything regarding your vehicle, we are here to help!
Come in today for the best price on your next oil change or SMOG check!