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How to Check Car Oil

Checking oil level on dipstick

Everyone in Carroll knows that their car oil is one of the most essential components in their vehicle. But not everyone understands that it’s simple to know how to check the oil level in a car, or the quality of the oil. The service center at Macke Motors, Inc. covers how to check car oil and more important oil facts below!


How to Check Oil Level in a Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s start by covering how to check your oil level. Before you do anything, look at your owner’s manual and see if your vehicle has an electronic oil monitoring system (newer vehicles have this). If you don’t, it’s no problem — checking your oil level in a car is easy.

  1. Park your vehicle on level ground. Make sure the engine is off and cool.
  2. Find the dipstick under your hood. This should be easy to locate, but use your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble. 
  3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe away the oil at the end.
  4. Put the dipstick back in, then pull it out again. Now you can read the monitors on the dipstick properly to see if you have enough oil.

Need to refill your oil? Make sure to check your manual or contact a Fort Dodge area parts center to get the right kind of engine oil!


How Often to Check Car Oil

Lake View shouldn’t just know how to check car oil, but also how often to check car oil. As many know, you should get an oil change twice a year. But to make sure you have the right amount of oil, check your oil levels once a month along with other fluid checks.

Are you noticing problems with your engine? Is it getting hot under the hood? Schedule a service appointment and you can get oil service on your vehicle. .

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Now that you know how to check the oil level on your car, you should also know how to reset the oil change light after your oil change. There are always variations that come with each vehicle, but the process is generally the same:

  • With the engine on, turn all the electronic systems on your car off.
  • Locate the reset button, usually near the fuel gauge/speedometer.
  • Hold down the reset button until the oil change light flashes (this signal varies vehicle to vehicle).
  • Turn off your ignition, wait for 10 or so seconds, and turn your car back on.

Get Quality Oil Service at Macke Motors, Inc.

At Macke Motors, Inc., we’ve made sure to be a destination for Lake City drivers who want to keep their vehicles in prime conditions. That’s why we offer certified oil service and service specials so you don’t have to worry about how much does an oil change cost.  Contact us today with any questions about how to check car oil, or schedule an appointment today. You can also learn to check your transmission, for even more reliable ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly.


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1201 West Main Street, Lake City, IA, 51449
Macke Motors, Inc. 42.26729, -94.74615.