How to Check Your Oil

Watch more How to Take Care of Your Car videos:
It only takes a minute or two to check your oil -- and that minute can save you a lot of aggravation, not to mention thousands of dollars in repairs!
Step 1: Park the car
Park the car on a level surface, like a flat driveway.
Step 2: Turn off engine
Turn the engine off.
Step 3: Locate dipstick
Open the hood and locate the dipstick. Its handle is usually yellow and shaped like a crossbar.
Tip
If you can't find the dipstick, check your owner's manual.
Step 4: Wipe off stick
Pull the dipstick out and, using a rag or paper towel, wipe off the stick.
Step 5: Locate marks
Locate the two marks: "Add" and "Full."
Step 6: Slide in dipstick
Slide the dipstick back into its slot, pushing it all the way down, before pulling it out again.
Step 7: Check oil line
See where the line of oil reaches on the stick. If it falls at or below the "Add" line, then you need to add oil.
Step 8: Remove fill cap
Remove the oil fill cap--it's usually marked with an icon that looks like Aladdin's magic lamp -- and place the funnel into the opening.
Step 9: Pour in oil
Pour a quarter of the bottle into the funnel. Add the oil slowly so it doesn't go above the "Full" mark.
Tip
Use only the kind of oil recommended by your manual.
Step 10: Keep rechecking
Keep rechecking the oil until it's between "Add" and "Full."
Tip
If your oil is consistently on the low side, you may have a leak. Have your car checked by a professional.
Step 11: Replace cap
Remove the funnel and replace the oil cap.
Step 12: Replace dipstick
Replace the dipstick, making sure it's all the way in. Close the hood -- and take her for a spin!
Did You Know?
Although you should always check your oil frequently, changing it every 3,000 miles is no longer necessary--Ford says their 2007 models can go as long as 7,500 miles!