Today’s modern engines are so much more complicated than years ago. Smaller engines with tighter tolerances and new technology make it harder to do your own maintenance. Thus, you may be wondering if it’s still possible to learn how to check oil in car.
Here’s How To Check Oil In Car Following 5 Easy Steps
Some modern cars won’t have an oil dipstick, but rely on sensors within the engine to read oil levels. These cars have a dashboard indicator light to tell you when you have low oil.
Generally, you should check your oil at least once a month. Before you begin, check your owner’s manual. Usually, most automakers recommend checking your oil when your engine is cold. However, a few suggest inspecting it when warm. For those automobiles with an oil dipstick, the following steps show you how to check oil in car:
1. Check to make sure your car is on level ground.
2. Open the car’s hood and locate the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil off the end.
4. Insert the oil dipstick back into its tube making sure you push it all the way back in.
5. Take the dipstick out once more, checking the level on the indicator at the end.
If your indicator shows a low level of engine oil, it’s important that you add some right away. With low oil, your engine won’t run efficiently and you may experience an increase in fuel consumption. Your car may also be sluggish and run at a higher temperature. Finally, prolonged driving with low oil can cause serious engine damage.
Low Levels Are Only One Issue With Your Engine Oil
Of course, checking your oil level is crucial. However, you should also inspect the color and consistency of your oil. Old, worn-out oil can’t lubricate allowing friction to wear away at parts.
Thus, when you’re checking the oil level, you should also inspect the coloring and viscosity. New oil is amber in color with the consistency of olive oil. As oil ages, it usually darkens. If you’ve reached the recommended interval or the oil is thick and sludgy, it’s time to change it.
Moreover, a creamy or milky-looking oil may indicate the presence of water. Often, a leaking head gasket will allow coolant to mix with the oil. Milky oil can cause significant engine damage like increased corrosion.
Since more automakers are designing cars without an oil dipstick, you must have a service professional check your oil. Manufacturers believe this eliminates mistakes in overfilling or adding the wrong fluid.
Types Of Engine Oil For Today’s Automobiles
Engine sizes have become smaller and lighter due to the government’s fuel economy standards. Often, these smaller engines have turbochargers for additional power and fuel efficiency. Typically, a turbocharged engine runs hotter and requires oil to flow quicker to critical parts. Thus, many manufacturers now rely on synthetic oil for lubrication.
For those car owners with older cars, conventional oil still provides adequate lubrication. However, you may want to use synthetic instead. Synthetic oil functions better in extreme heat and cold. Tests have also shown it’s 47% better than conventional at protecting against metal-to-metal contact. Using synthetic offers several other great benefits:
- Higher protection against wear and tear
- Longer intervals between oil changes
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Resistant to sludge buildup
Sometimes, the price of a premium or synthetic oil can be a disadvantage for some car owners. In those instances, using a blend can give you many of the benefits of synthetic at a lower price.
FAQs About Havoline® Xpress Lube Of Kernersville
When it’s time to get your oil changed, trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. We’ve been a favorite of Kernersville residents for over 25 years. To help you get to know us better, we’ve answered a few commonly asked questions below.
Where Can I Find Your Shop and What Are Your Hours?
You’ll find our shop at 725 Hwy 66 South, Kernersville. This location is easily accessible from Business 40 (U.S. 421).
Our shop is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM. On Saturdays, our shop is open from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Of course, we always take walk-ins. However, we advise you to make an appointment for a guaranteed time slot if you’re in a hurry. Simply use our online form or call us at 336-993-7697.
Do You Offer Gift Cards and How Do I Buy One?
Absolutely! Simply stop by our shop to purchase one in any amount up to $100. Our gift cards make great gifts and are good for any of our services.
What Services Do You Offer?
Our ASE-certified technicians can perform many common servicing and repairs for both foreign and domestic cars including Toyotas, Hondas, Fords, Chevrolets and many more:
- Transmissions
- Exhaust systems
- A/C repair
- Tires
- Alignments
- Fuel systems
- Electrical diagnostics
- Oil changes
- State inspections
- Cooling systems
- Brakes
- And more!
Plus, we have a modern car wash to keep the outside of your automobile sparkling! Our facility gently washes away dirt and grime with premium cleaning products. Moreover, we recycle our water, a higher percentage than the competition. You can visit our car wash any time our shop is open as well as Sundays from 8 AM to 5 PM.
When was the last time you checked your oil? Instead of figuring out how to check oil in car, bring your vehicle to Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Call us right now at 336-993-7697 to make your appointment.