How to check your car's oil

For drivers who want a true oil-level reading that flags a low sump before the next drive.

Oil drains back into the pan only after the engine stops. That settled mark is the one that tells you whether the engine still has enough oil.

Have a clean lint-free rag ready and work where you can see the stick marks clearly.

Step 01
PARK on flat ground with the engine off and the parking brake set.
You'll need the clean rag for the later wipe. The car is set when it sits still on even pavement and does not roll when you ease off the foot brake.
Step 02
WAIT five full minutes so the oil can run down into the pan.
Keep clear of the hot exhaust and block. The wait is finished when your timer shows five minutes and the hood skin feels only warm.

Step 03

RAISE the hood after releasing the cabin latch then the front safety catch.

Slot the prop rod into its hole until it locks. The hood is safe when it stays up on its own and the rod does not wobble.

Step 04

PULL the dipstick straight out by its bright loop handle.

The handle is usually yellow or orange and stands near the block. You have the right stick when it slides free with a light tug and the tip feels lightly oily.

Step 05

WIPE the metal tip clean with the rag.

Fold the rag and pinch along the marked end. The stick is ready when bare metal shows and no brown film remains under the light.

Step 06

INSERT the clean stick all the way back into its tube.

Keep the stick straight so it does not bend. It is seated when the handle sits flush on the tube rim and will not go farther.

Step 07

PULL the stick out a second time and hold it level.

Read both sides under clear light. The check is good when the oil film ends between the low and full marks and the oil looks translucent amber without milky swirl or glitter.

The most common mistake

Reading the stick on a slope or right after shutdown skews the level high or low. Move to flat ground, wait the full five minutes, then wipe and read again.

Pro tip

Repeat the wipe-insert-pull once more if the first oil line looks spotted or unclear.

Say it every time

Park pause wipe insert read

Read it as an article on How To