How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil is the essential component driving your Mazda car around Boise and Caldwell. Making sure you have the right among can keep all of the engine’s internal moving parts running. Yet how do you check the oil levels in your car? Dennis Dillon Mazda explores how to check car oil in your vehicle. If your vehicle needs any additional service, the certified service technicians at our Boise auto service center.

Learn How to Check The Oil Level in Your Car

When it comes to how to check oil levels in your car, there’s some differences depending on the vehicle. Some newer Mazdas feature electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks, so you should begin by checking your owner’s manual for what’s recommended. When you want to know how to check your car oil, follow these steps:

1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on the ground level and 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 your oil from the end of it.
4. Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out, and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks always have a way of indicating the proper oil levels in your vehicle. If the top of your oil streak is between two marks, or within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it isn’t, you’re going to have to add more oil.

Be sure to buy the oil grade recommended in the owner’s manual, remove the oil filter cap, then add oil a little at a time until the dipstick spotlights that you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Oil may be in every auto store and always mentioned in every owner’s manual, yet it’s a frequently overlooked aspect of your vehicle. Oil changes are usually recommended at least twice a year, depending on the model and how it’s driven. Remember, you should check your oil at least once a month. That way, you’ll be sure you have enough oil for driving around Nampa and beyond. 

If you are noticing a hot car hood or steam coming out from under the hood, you’ll need to schedule service ASAP. Your car may have an oil leak and the engine can be overheating.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

While every car has a specific process for resetting the oil change light, the general procedure is often the same. However, you’ll only want to reset your oil change light if you’ve actually changed your oil. Forgetting to undertake an oil change can actually damage your vehicle in the long run.

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

• Turn all systems of your car off, but leave your engine running.
• Find the “Reset” button or stick on the dashboard (Often found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (Sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
• Turn the ignition off, Wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

By this point, your oil light will be reset. If you have further questions, always reach out to our service technicians.

Let The Dennis Dillon Mazda Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

Now that you know how to check car oil, consider one of our service specials at Dennis Dillon Mazda. If it’s time to consider a new car for driving around Boise or Caldwell, explore some of our new Mazda models. You can also order genuine Mazda parts from our dealership and fix existing ones when needed. Keep your Mazda up and running for years to come with Dennis Dillon Mazda. See you shortly!