Maintaining your oil level is one of the most important regular tasks for a vehicle owner to perform, and if your levels drop too low, you could inflict lasting damage on your engine and powertrain. It’s a good idea to check your car oil at least once a month, and once you know how to perform this check on the go, the process itself only takes a few minutes! When you learn the basics with Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington today, you’ll get more out of all your drives around Normal and Morton.
How to Check Oil Levels in Your Car
Your vehicle might have an electronic oil monitor that checks your oil levels automatically. If not, you can take the following steps to check your oil levels manually:
- Park the vehicle on level ground. Give the engine time to cool before opening up the hood.
- Locate the oil dipstick, pull it out, and wipe it clean.
- Re-insert the dipstick down to the hilt, and draw it out once more.
- Read the oil level.
Different vehicles indicate the proper oil level in different ways. Your dipstick will indicate the proper oil level with two lines or a cross-hatched area, and when you read the level, it should always fall within this designated zone. If your car oil level is too low, you’ll want to add more oil right away, immediately if possible. If you’ve added too much oil accidentally, you’ll want to drain out the excess before you drive. The drain is usually located on the underside of the vehicle.
If you need to add more oil, you’ll be able to find the oil cap near the dipstick. Simply screw off the cap and add more oil until you’ve reached the proper level. Be careful during this process, as too much oil can be just as bad as too little. If you’re uncertain about the type of oil that your vehicle requires, check our owner’s manual or contact an expert at our Bloomington Toyota service center.
When to Get an Oil Change
Even if you know how to check the oil level in a car, you’ll eventually need to change it out completely. In general, it’s a good idea to change your oil once every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Although it’s possible to do this at home by draining the engine and adding more oil manually, it will often be easier to bring your car into the experts. Searching for an affordable oil change near Bloomington? Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington has you covered.
Learning how to check car oil at home is one of the best ways to catch leaks before they lead to long term damage. If you think you’re losing fluid more rapidly than you should, you’ll definitely want to schedule service as soon as possible.
Take Advantage of Our Rotating Service Specials
The experts at Sam Leman Toyota Bloomington want to see your vehicle run for as long as possible, and since we offer a wide selection of rotating special offers, it’s easy to get the maintenance you need for the price you deserve. Learn helpful service tips like replacing your Toyota key fob, how to reset tire pressure light, information regarding ToyotaCare Plus, and explore our Bloomington Toyota service coupons from the comfort of your home.
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