How to Check Your Car’s Oil Levels

Knowing how to check your car’s oil levels might not seem like the most important thing in the world if you’re making sure to have your oil changed on schedule. However, you should be checking your oil at least once every month, or every week to be safe. Rest assured, it only takes a moment, and it’s a great chance to get up close and personal with the car or SUV that you depend on every day in Stamford. We’ll cover everything you need to know below!

How to Check the Oil Level in Any Car

Check your owner’s manual to make sure that your vehicle has a dipstick since some newer models no longer include one! New Land Rover vehicles allow you to monitor your car’s oil level from the driver’s seat via an oil level gauge. All you need to do is keep an eye on it, and if you notice anything strange like a sudden drop, you’ll want to schedule service right away.

If you drive an older vehicle or a vehicle from another make that does have a dipstick, learning how to check the oil level in your car is as easy as opening up the hood:

1. Make sure that you have a rag on hand, then locate the dipstick to the left or right of the engine.
2. Draw it out and wipe it clean before re-inserting it into the sheathe.
3. Draw it out once more, and check the level.
4. If you’re good to go, you’ll see that the oil comes up between the “min” and “max” lines, or reaches to a point within the crosshatched area.

Using Your Land Rover SUV’s Electronic Oil Monitor

Every new Land Rover is designed with an electronic oil monitor, so you won’t always have to break out a rag and get under the hood when you want to see where you’re at! Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure you’re parked and sitting on level ground. Your engine should be hot when you get started, but you should turn it off and let it cool for ten minutes before you try to get a reading.
2. Turn your key to position one and allow your electronic systems to come on. Leave the engine off.
3. Use your steering wheel-mounted controls to cycle through your options. You’ll eventually see either “Service Menu” or “Vehicle Information” displayed beneath your gauges.
4. Just select “Oil Level” from the menu that appears! You’ll receive an accurate estimate of your oil level in no time.

If you need to add more oil, but you don’t have any hand, check your owner’s manual for the right product and visit our parts department, just a short drive from Wilton or New Canaan. Or, schedule service and let an expert handle the next steps.

Why Should You Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

We noted above that regularly checking your car’s oil level is a matter of safety, but there’s more that you should know! Since an oil leak can occur at any time, you need to get under the hood frequently to be certain that you’re not missing any vital fluids. Driving without oil — or driving with old, dirty oil — can wreak havoc on your engine, lead to overheating, and result in dangerous breakdowns or costly repairs. It only takes five minutes to learn how to check the oil level in a car and minimize the risk.

Ready to tackle another simple DIY care task? Find out how to check your tire tread depth today, or learn a thing or two about the Land Rover Discovery Sport maintenance schedule.

The Land Rover Darien Service Team is Here to Help!

There’s nothing standing in between you and a more exciting drive! If you’d like to learn more about caring for your vehicle at home, check out our other DIY service tips. Think you’re due for a tune-up before you head out on your next adventure? Don’t wait to explore our Land Rover service specials.