Avoid Engine Damage! How to Check Oil Level in 6 Steps

Imagine driving down the highway when suddenly, your check engine light flickers on. Your heart races, could it be serious? You pull over, pop the hood, and realize… you’ve been running on dangerously low oil. A simple check could have saved you from this nightmare.

Learning how to check oil levels is one of the easiest and most important car maintenance skills. Your engine relies on clean, sufficient oil to run smoothly, prevent overheating, and avoid the kind of damage that leads to debt. Believe it or not, this simple task can lead to major engine problems, reduced fuel efficiency, and VERY expensive repairs.

In this article, we’ll walk you through six simple steps to check oil level properly, so you can keep your car in top shape and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Why Checking Oil Level is Important

Skipping oil checks might seem harmless, but it can lead to costly repairs. We’ve heard countless stories of drivers ignoring their oil warning light for weeks only to have their engines seize up unexpectedly. The result? Thousands of dollars in repairs that could have been avoided with a simple oil check.

When you check your car’s oil level regularly, you prevent unnecessary damage and keep your engine running smoothly. Here’s why it matters:

Protects your engine from wear and overheating

Oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, preventing metal-on-metal friction. Without enough oil, parts overheat and wear out quickly, leading to serious engine damage or even total failure.

Improves fuel efficiency and engine performance

When oil is clean and at the right level, your engine runs smoothly with less resistance. This reduces fuel consumption and helps your car perform at its best.

Prevents sludge buildup and contamination

Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt, turning into thick sludge. This can clog engine passages, reducing oil flow and increasing wear on critical components. Regular oil checks help you catch dirty oil before it causes damage.

Checking oil levels only takes a minute, but it can save your engine from failure and your wallet from expensive repairs.

How to Check Your Car’s Oil Level - What You’ll Need

Before you check your car’s oil level, make sure you have these essential tools ready. They’ll help you get an accurate reading and ensure the process is quick and mess-free.

Clean rag or paper towel

Used to wipe the dipstick clean before checking the oil level. Any residue on the dipstick can give you a false reading.

Owner’s manual

Helps locate the dipstick and ensures you use the correct type of oil if you need to top up.

Gloves (optional)

Useful if you want to avoid getting oil on your hands.

Having these items on hand makes it easier to check your oil levels correctly and keep your engine running smoothly.

Step-by-step instructions for checking oil level

Follow these six simple steps to check the oil levels accurately and keep your engine running smoothly.

1. Prepare your vehicle

• Park on a level surface to get an accurate reading.
• Turn off the engine and wait 10–15 minutes to let the oil settle.
• Never check the oil on a hot engine! Oil can be extremely hot and cause burns.

2. Locate the dipstick

• Open the hood and find the dipstick. It usually has a yellow or orange handle for easy identification.
• If you're unsure, check your owner’s manual for the exact location.

3. Remove and clean the dipstick

• Pull out the dipstick completely and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel to remove old oil residue.
• This ensures you get an accurate reading when you check the oil level.

4. Reinsert and remove the dipstick again

• Insert the dipstick back into its tube fully and pull it out again.
• This step shows the actual oil level after the oil has settled.

5. Assess the oil level

• Look at the markings on the dipstick.
• If the oil level is between the two marks, it’s at the correct level.
• If it’s below the lower mark, you need to add oil immediately.
• Check your owner’s manual to ensure you use the right oil type before adding more.

6. Check the oil condition

• Healthy oil is light brown with a smooth texture.
• If it’s dark, gritty, or smells burnt, it needs immediate changing.
• A milky or foamy appearance (possibly indicating a coolant leak) indicates a contaminated oil.

Checking oil levels only takes a minute, but it helps prevent engine damage, improve performance, and avoid costly repairs.

When to add or change oil

Checking your oil level is only part of the process. If your oil is low or dirty, the next step is knowing when to add or change it. Ignoring low or contaminated oil can lead to poor engine performance, overheating, or even severe engine damage.

When to add car oil

If you check oil levels and see that it’s below the minimum mark on the dipstick, you need to add more. Here’s how:

• Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type.
• Pour in small amounts at a time, then check the dipstick again to avoid overfilling.
• After adding oil, wait a few minutes and check the oil level again to ensure it’s between the minimum and maximum marks.

When to change your car oil

Adding oil helps maintain the right level, but it doesn’t replace old or dirty oil. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its effectiveness. Here’s when you should change it:

• Most vehicles need an oil change every 5,000–7,500 miles or every six months, depending on driving conditions.

Signs you need an oil change:

• The oil looks dark, gritty, or sludgy on the dipstick.
• You hear unusual engine noises like knocking or ticking.
• The oil change or check engine light turns on.

A few minutes of oil maintenance can prevent costly engine repairs and extend your vehicle’s lifespan if make it part of your routine.

Common mistakes when checking oil level

Checking your car’s oil level seems simple, but small mistakes can lead to inaccurate readings or even engine issues. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

Not waiting long enough

Always let the engine cool for at least five minutes before checking your oil level. Hot oil can give an inaccurate reading and may even cause burns.

Forgetting to clean the dipstick

If you check your oil level without wiping the dipstick first, old residue can cause a false reading. Always use a clean rag or paper towel before reinserting the dipstick.

Overfilling with oil

Adding too much oil can increase engine pressure, leading to leaks or damage. Always add small amounts at a time and recheck the level before adding more.

Avoiding these simple mistakes ensures you get an accurate reading and keep your engine in top shape.

Make checking oil level a habit

Taking a minute to check your oil can save you from costly repairs and keep your engine running smoothly for years. Regular oil checks help prevent overheating, improve fuel efficiency, and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

Make checking your car’s oil part of your routine to prevent engine issues before they start. A simple habit today can save you thousands in repairs down the road.