Your Detailed Guide

Did you know that many manufacturers allow your engine to burn or consume up to 1 quart of oil per 1,000 miles. That means you need to be checking your oil at least every 1,000 miles driven.


I made an easy step by step instruction on how to check your oil. There are two ways you can check your oil either on a warm engine or cold engine.


You will need a clean rag or paper towel and to be parked on level surface.


Let's start with the warm engine check instructions.

  1. Engine needs to be up to operating temperature.
  2. Shut off engine and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the engine oil to drain back into your oil pan.
  3. Open the hood and locate your dipstick.
  4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off on your clean rag or paper towel.
  5. Put dipstick back in fully then pull out again. This will give you the proper reading of your oil level.
  6. The low mark to the full mark is 1 quart.


Now the cold engine check instructions.

  1. Let the car sit overnight.
  2. Open the hood and locate your dipstick.
  3. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it off on your clean rag or paper towel.
  4. Put dipstick back in fully then pull out again. This will give you the proper reading of your oil level.
  5. The low mark to the full mark is 1 quart.


Let's talk about oil condition.

- Normal  is amber colored to a dark brown (if you drive a diesel they go dark quickly)

- Red Flag - if your oil is milky or foamy, is metallic or has a strong fuel or burnt smell.


If you're adding oil only add 1/4 of a quart at a time, and recheck your level. Never overfill your engine oil. To much oil can cause issues just like not enough oil.


Questions about checking your oil? We are happy to answer them. Stop by and we will show you how to do it. Give us a call and let us take care of you.


Happy Adventures,

Heather


Our specials can be found here - Specials - J & H Automotive, Inc 

Ready to make an appointment … Appointments - J & H Automotive, Inc 

Want to know more … About Us - J & H Automotive, Inc 

Would you like to join our merry band of misfits? Careers - J & H Automotive, Inc 


 
Want to know more…

https://www.facebook.com/JHAutomotiveInc                   

https://www.pinterest.com/jhautoinc

Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn
 

By jhautoinc December 9, 2025
This is why your car isn't warming up properly.
By jhautoinc December 3, 2025
It's an important component.
By jhautoinc November 28, 2025
This requires some testing...
By jhautoinc November 26, 2025
A bit of maintenance can save you.
By jhautoinc November 21, 2025
This is a subtitle for your new post
By jhautoinc November 18, 2025
It's not always the seal that's the issue.
By jhautoinc November 14, 2025
A brake inspection can prevent this.
By jhautoinc November 12, 2025
It's more important than you think.
By jhautoinc November 8, 2025
Is it age or an issue?
By jhautoinc November 4, 2025
It may not be your transmission...