I can clearly remember one of the first times I stood next to my dad while he checked a car’s oil. He held the metal stick up close to his face, turning it back and forth ever so slightly. While I had no idea what he was actually looking for, he seemed good with whatever the stick told him and moved on with his inspections. If you’ve ever wondered whether your engine has enough oil, reading your car’s oil dipstick is pretty easy.
Start by parking your car on a flat surface. Turn off the engine and let it sit for a few minutes. This gives the oil time to settle. You don’t want to get false readings from oil sloshing around. While you’re waiting, you can grab a clean rag or paper towel.
Find your car’s hood release lever inside the cabin. It’s usually near the driver’s side kick panel. Pull it, then step to the front of the car and lift the hood. You might need to unlatch it from under the hood panel, too. Secure it up with the hood prop if needed.
Now, locate the dipstick. It’s a thin, metal rod with a loop or handle. Most are yellow or orange, but check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure. Hint: it’s going to be very close to the engine block itself since it runs down to the oil pan.
Gently pull the dipstick all the way out. Don’t worry if it looks dirty. Wipe it clean with your rag or towel. This clears off old lubricant so you can get an accurate reading.
Slide the clean dipstick back into the tube until it’s fully seated. Then pull it out again. Now look at the tip of the dipstick. You’ll see two markers. They could be labeled “MIN” and “MAX,” although some are simply dots or pinched hash marks. You might even see a crosshatch pattern etched into the stick between two clear markers. This patterned section tells you the oil level “safe zone.”
Where’s the oil level?
If the end of the sample falls between the two markers, you’re good to go. If it’s near or below the “MIN” mark on the dipstick, your engine needs more oil.
While you’re at it, inspect the oil’s color. Fresh oil is golden and transparent. Almost like clean cooking oil. Dark or gritty oil means it’s time for an oil change. Think spent bacon grease.
If you need to add oil, refer to your owner’s manual or quickly Google how much your car takes. Confirm which kind as well. Be sure to follow the OEM spec.
Still not sure how much to add? If it’s really low, I’d recommend starting with a quart and rechecking the oil level afterward. Pour it into the top of the engine via the cap labeled with an oil can…or the word “oil.”
Once you’ve checked the level and condition, wipe the dipstick again and slide it back into the tube. Close the hood securely, and you’re done.
Now, after 20-some-odd years in the industry, I still love the simple satisfaction of checking it myself, though admittedly, I rarely do anymore. Modern maintenance schedules and all that. Still, it’s a skill anyone who drives often should have, in my opinion.
