If you know anything at all about auto maintenance, then you know how important it is to know how to check a car’s oil level on a regular basis. After all, motor oil is required to lubricate the moving parts in your engine and distribute heat away from the hardest working components. Even if you’re scheduling all of your oil services on time, knowing how to check the oil level in your car is essential. We’ve put together a short guide with everything you need to know about checking oil levels!
How Often Should You Check a Car’s Oil Level?
You should change your oil once every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or so, or roughly one to two times per year at least. So, when should you check your oil? In between those visits, it’s important to check your oil level monthly. Driving with low oil levels can cause long-term damage to your engine, and regular check-ups can help you identify problems before they lead to costly repairs.
How to Check a Car’s Oil Level
Most new Acura vehicles are equipped with an electronic oil monitor known as the Acura Maintenance Minder™. When you have fresh oil in your vehicle, it will read at 100%. As you drive around Maple Shade and Medford, you’ll gradually wear down the oil life. Eventually, you’ll receive an alert that it’s time to schedule service. However, it’s never a bad idea to learn how to check the oil level in a car by hand. In this respect, your Acura is a lot like any other vehicle when it comes to checking oil levels:
- Park your vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Let your engine cool for at least ten minutes so the oil can settle back in the pan.
- Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Withdraw it once, clean it, and reinsert it into the sheath.
- Pull the dipstick out again, and locate the “Min” and “Max” lines.
- If the oil comes up to a point between them, you’re good to go! If you’re low, add more oil slowly.
You can pick up approved Acura Ultimate Full Synthetic motor oil at our Turnersville parts department!
What Else to Look for While Checking Your Car Oil
When checking oil levels you’re under the hood, it’s a good idea to check your oil for quality, as well. When you have the dipstick out, take a small amount of oil and rub it between your thumb and forefinger.
- If it feels grimy, or if you notice any particles suspended within it, your oil may be old, or there could be a problem with your engine.
- Newer oil is light brown, and it darkens over time. If your oil is black or near-black or smells burnt, you should schedule an oil change soon.
Looking for more service tips and tricks? We’d be happy to provide them.
Acura Turnersville is Your Source for Oil Service
You’ve seen how to check a car’s oil level, and if you feel as though it’s time to schedule service, you can count on our team to get the job done right. Just make sure to check out our rotating service specials and oil change coupons before you drive in from Cherry Hill or Sewell. Our team can also answer questions like if Acura requires premium gas.
Looking for additional DIY car advice? Learn how to jump-start a dead battery today with our experts!
