How to Check Your Car Oil

The oil inside your new or used truck keeps the vehicle running smoothly on the road around Frazee, and therefore, it’s extremely important to make sure there’s the right amount of oil to protect you and your engine. Learning how to check the oil level in your car will go a long way towards preventing untimely breakdowns and damage, turning a minor maintenance now into a major issue and costly repair down the line. Find out more about what the service team at Norseman Motors, Inc. has to say about how to check the oil level in your car, as well as other maintenance methods for your vehicle.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Unfortunately, many Perham drivers disregard the importance of a car’s motor oil level. This can be dangerous because the oil is the blood of the car. If there is not enough oil, the vehicle won’t run properly and it could damage the engine over time. We suggest routinely changing your car’s oil at least two times a year depending on the age and amount of mileage on the vehicle. In addition, it is good practice to check your oil level at least once a month.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Learning how to check your oil level takes no time at all and is one of the easiest way to maintain your vehicle! If you have a gas engine, your vehicle will have a dipstick that looks like a long, cylindrical object. Dipsticks usually have two marks indicating where your oil level should be. If you’re checking the oil manually, simply follow these instructions:

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on even 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 clean any oil on it.
4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into the tube you pulled it from, then remove it and look at both sides to determine where the oil level is.

If the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area of the dipstick, the level is good. If it is below the bottom mark, you’ll need to add more oil. Be careful not to add too much oil where the top streak shows above the top mark.

Be sure to buy the grade recommended in the owner’s manual, remove the oil filler cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level. You’ll be able to find it at a nearby store in Frazee. However, you can also schedule a service appointment at Norseman Motors, Inc. and let our team take care of the process for you.

How to Reset Your Oil Change Light

Each car has a resetting procedure that is unique, but most typically use similar steps. It’s important to only reset the light once you’ve changed your oil and not beforehand. For a healthy car, try your best not to miss an oil change. Missing multiple oil changes can damage your car in the long run.

Resetting the Oil Change Light

1. Leave the engine running and turn off all systems of your car.
2. Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
3. Press the button until the oil change light begins to flash. The sign of resetting may differ per vehicle.
4. Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

Contact Norseman Motors, Inc. With Any Questions You Still Have

Now that you know how to check your car’s oil, you’re that much closer to making sure your vehicle is staying safe on the road for years to come. Trust the service specials at Norseman Motors, Inc. to make maintenance even easier. Contact us with any questions that you have, or stop by our dealership near Callaway anytime.