Testing Checking your engine oil is a small habit that pays off. It takes about a minute and it gives you a quick read on whether the engine is happy. Here’s how to do it.

When to check

The best time to check oil is when the engine is warm but not hot, and parked on a level surface. Letting the car sit for a few minutes after you arrive somewhere is plenty.

Step 1 — Pop the hood

Find the hood release inside the car (usually near the floor on the driver’s side), pull it, then go around to the front and lift the hood. There’s a safety latch under the lip of the hood — push it sideways and lift.

Step 2 — Find the dipstick

The dipstick is a metal handle with a loop or a colored grip on top — usually yellow, sometimes orange or another color. It sticks out of the engine on most cars. Some newer cars don’t have a physical dipstick at all (they read oil level electronically through the dashboard) — if yours doesn’t, use the in-dash display instead.

Step 3 — Wipe and re-dip

Pull the dipstick all the way out. Wipe it clean with a paper towel or shop rag. Push it all the way back in, seat it fully, then pull it out again.

Step 4 — Read the level

Look at the bottom of the dipstick. There are two marks — usually a low mark and a high mark, sometimes labeled MIN and MAX. The oil should sit somewhere between them.

  • Between the marks: good.
  • Below the low mark: the engine is low. Time to add some, or bring it to us.
  • Above the high mark: overfilled. Not great either — too much oil can foam and cause its own problems.

Step 5 — Look at the oil itself

A few things to notice on the dipstick:

  • Color: clean oil is honey to amber. Used oil darkens to brown or black, which is normal. Very dark and gritty is a sign it’s overdue.
  • Texture: smooth is good. Milky or foamy oil can be a sign of water mixing in, which is worth bringing the car in for.

A note on oil specs

The right oil for your car is the specific oil that vehicle calls for. Every car is different. Toyota and Honda models now spec 0W-8 in many cases, which is much thinner than the 0W-20 those brands used to call for. European cars often have very specific OEM approvals attached to their oil spec. When in doubt, look at the owner’s manual or ask us.

When to come in

  • If the level is low and you’re not sure why
  • If the oil looks milky, foamy, or smells like fuel
  • If the level keeps dropping between checks
  • If you can’t tell what your car uses

What to do next

If you’d like us to check the oil for you, or you’re due for an oil change, come by 3645 Main Street in Chula Vista, Monday through Friday. We’ll use the right certified fluid for your specific vehicle and take a look at the rest while we’re at it.