How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is the lifeblood of every Alfa Romeo vehicle around Wichita, KS. Determining you have the right amount can help protect your engine’s internal moving parts, whether traveling in Merriam or taking a long road trip. Do you know how to check your car oil? In the following guide, the Alfa Romeo Kansas City service team will spotlight how to check the oil level in your car. Learn more below and contact our staff with any questions.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

So how do you check your car oil? Some newer vehicles have electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks. You can begin the process by reviewing your owner’s manual to see what the automaker recommends. If you’re checking your oil manually, follow these steps:

1. Park the vehicle on level ground and ensure that the engine is turned off and cold.
2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from its end.
4. Re-insert the dipstick back into the tube, pull it out, and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks have some way of indicating the proper oil level. When the top of your oil streak is between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it’s not, you’ll need to add more oil. Make sure to buy the grade recommended in the owner’s manual. Remove the oil filter cap and add oil slowly until the dipstick indicates you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

While oil is often overlooked, having the right oil level is essential to your vehicle’s performance. Generally, oil changes are recommended at least twice a year, depending on your model and how it’s driven. Oil checks should be performed at least once a month. That way, you can always feel confident there are no leaks and your vehicle has enough oil for all your travels around Omaha, NE and beyond. 

That said, if you notice your car’s hood is hot to the touch or steam billowing out from under the hood, call %%phone_service or reach out online to schedule an appointment ASAP. You might have an oil leak and the engine is overheating.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light

Beyond knowing how to check the oil level in your car, it’s important to remember to reset your oil change light. Remember, you only want to reset the oil change light if you’ve changed your oil. Missing an oil change can damage your vehicle in the long run.

How to Reset the Oil Change Light: Step-by-Step

• Turn all your car systems off, but leave the engine running.
• Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light starts flashing (signs of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

At this point, the oil light should be reset. If you have any questions about resetting your oil change light, contact our team.

Let Our Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

Now that you know how to check your car oil, you can always turn to our service team for professional support. Before scheduling your next appointment at Alfa Romeo Kansas City, explore our service specials to see how much you can save. You can also order genuine Alfa Romeo parts to replace worn-out pieces on your vehicle. Keep your car in great condition near Kansas City, MO with Alfa Romeo Kansas City.