In very cold weather, it may be appropriate to drive the car around a bit first to get the oil loosened up and less viscous before checking it. Let the engine run for a few minutes, then let it cool down for five before you check it. Many people disagree about whether or not the oil should be checked hot or cold. Some manufacturers recommend checking engine oil warm, and it’s perfectly fine to do so as long as you’re looking at the right line. There will appear to be “less” oil on the gauge when the oil is colder, but the oil will thin out as the vehicle runs up to normal operating temperature. Synthetic oil expands more when it is hot than “regular” oil does, so it may be best to check your oil cold if you use synthetic oil. Talk to your mechanic if you aren’t sure.
On some cars, the hood will stay up, while on others it will require a prop rod, which is usually folded up on the front or side of the engine compartment. Lift this support into place (there will be an opening on the hood to insert it) and let go of the hood.
On most cars, there should also be a symbol that looks like an old-style oil can to demarcate the proper dipstick. When you’ve located the dipstick, you’re ready to remove it and check the oil. Most automatic transmission vehicles will have two dipsticks under the hood, one for the oil and one for the transmission fluid. Transmission dipsticks are typically found at the rear of the engine bay or towards the driver’s side, and the dipstick will commonly be inserted into a slightly larger tube. This transmission fluid is typically pink or red. Never confuse the two. Never put oil into the transmission, which can cost you serious money.
You shouldn’t have to pull very hard or twist on most oil dipsticks, but you might have to use a little bit of strength to get it to come free. Once you’ve got the cap off, it should pull free quite easily. Don’t force it.
Oil will change in color from golden or amber colored to brown and black as more and more particulate gets in the oil from the engine. Metal filings and particulate will slowly scrape the cylinders of your engine over time, which is why the oil needs to be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommended service interval (check your owner’s manual or service booklet to find your vehicle’s service interval). Look at the color, specifically. Does it look brackish, or chunky? Does it look black or dark? If so, it’s likely a sign that your oil needs changed. Take the car in to have it serviced, or change the oil yourself.
In general, the “minimum” marker should be close to the very dip of the dipstick. If the line of oil on the dipstick is between the tip and that mark, you need to add oil to the car. The oil should never be higher than the maximum fill point, though it will be close to that point when the oil is hot. If it is, you may need to drain some oil from your car.
Alternatively, you can also talk with the staff at most auto supply stores to figure out what kind of oil you need to put in your car. As long as you know the make and the model, they should be able to look it up and tell you, or you can look it up yourself in the manual in the oil section.
You need to use a funnel to add engine oil, or you’ll risk spilling it all over the engine block, which will burn off and create a terrible smell, and possibly worse problems.
If you spill a little bit of oil on the engine compartment, don’t panic. Spilled oil tends not to be super-dangerous, though it will smell bad and may smoke some. Try to wipe it up as best you can with a rag or a towel.
