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


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By jhautoinc January 30, 2026
These are vital to keep you safe on the road.
By jhautoinc January 27, 2026
Your engine will thank you.
By jhautoinc January 23, 2026
They help keep your engine cool.
By jhautoinc January 20, 2026
They need maintenance to keep them running.
By jhautoinc January 17, 2026
It's better for your engine. 
By jhautoinc January 13, 2026
They are more important than you know.
By jhautoinc January 10, 2026
A spark plug gap can cause a misfire.
By Bobby Poist January 7, 2026
They're important to keep you safe on the road.
By jhautoinc January 3, 2026
It's more often than you think.
By jhautoinc December 31, 2025
Batteries really don't like cold weather