How To Check A Car's Oil

Making sure that you always have the correct amount of oil in your Honda car, truck, or SUV is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle.


Knowing how to check oil level in your car can help to ensure that it continues to run smoothly and efficiently on Winchester roads. Review this step-by-step guide on how to check your car oil from the service team here at Gates Honda, and the next time your Honda Accord or Honda CR-V is due for an oil change, schedule service with us.

How to Check Oil Level in Your Car: Step by Step

On some new vehicles, you’ll find that you have an electronic oil monitor which lets you know when the oil level in your car is low. We advise that you check your owner’s manual to determine whether your vehicle is equipped with an oil monitor or a traditional dipstick. If you have the latter, the following steps will walk you through how to check your car oil level:

  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and make sure that the engine is turned off and has had a chance to cool down.
  2. Open the vehicle’s hood, and find the dipstick.
  3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine, and wipe off any oil from the end of it.
  4. Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, and then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the oil level is.

Your dipstick should have markings on it that indicate where the proper oil level should be. If you see that the top of the oil streak is between the two marks, or if it is within a cross-hatched area, the level is good. If it is down at the tip of the dipstick, you’ll need to add more oil.

How to Add More Oil If Needed

To add oil, remove the oil filler cap and pour the oil in a little at a time. Once you are done adding oil, recheck the dipstick to ensure that you’ve added enough. Make sure that you do not overfill. If you are unsure of what the recommended oil grade is for your specific make and model, or whether you should use conventional or synthetic oil, consult your owner’s manual.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Regularly checking the oil level in your car and keeping up to date with your scheduled oil changes is a critical part of your Honda maintenance. By checking the oil level at least once a month, Berea drivers can identify leaks or other issues that can otherwise lead to costly repairs down the road.

If you ever find that the hood of your car is excessively hot, or if you see steam coming from the engine compartment, it is important to bring your vehicle to our service center as soon as possible. Either of these can be a sign that the engine is overheating, which can result in serious damage. Of course, here at Gates Honda, you can count on receiving professional auto service. When you bring your car in for an oil change, our certified technicians will make sure that everything is in top condition.

Schedule Oil Service Today at Gates Honda

Whether you’re ready for your next oil change or need advice on how to care for your car during the summer months, the service techs at Gates Honda are here to help. Make sure to check out our current service specials and coupons to save on your next Honda maintenance service. Have questions? Contact our service center online, or give us a call at (859) 657-8752.

Gates Honda

1180 Dr. Robert R Martin Bypass
Richmond, KY 40475
Driving Directions
Sales 859-353-0444
Service 859-779-1000
Parts 859-779-1059
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Sunday Closed

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