Checking your oil takes three minutes and tells you whether your engine has enough to run safely

To check your oil, you need the dipstick — a thin metal rod under your hood that measures how much oil is in the engine. Pull it out, wipe it clean on a paper towel or rag, push it all the way back in, then pull it out again and read where the oil level sits. The stick has two marks: a minimum line and a maximum line. Your oil should be between them. If it is below the minimum, you need to add oil before driving.

You can check your oil anytime, but the most reliable reading comes when the engine is cold — either first thing in the morning or at least five minutes after you turn the engine off. A warm engine gives a slightly higher reading because the oil expands as it heats up. Either way, park on level ground so the oil settles evenly in the pan.

Key Takeaways

  • The dipstick is located under your hood and has minimum and maximum marks; your oil level should fall between these two lines.
  • Check oil on a level surface with the engine cold for the most accurate reading, or wait at least five minutes after driving.
  • If the level is below the minimum mark, add the type of oil specified in your owner's manual — do not mix types.
  • Checking oil every month or before long trips helps catch slow leaks and prevents engine damage from running too low.

Where to find the dipstick under your hood

Open your hood and look for a handle sticking up from the engine block. The handle is usually yellow, orange, or red, and it has a ring or loop you can grip. On some cars it is labeled "Oil" or has an oil-can symbol. If you cannot spot it, your owner's manual has a diagram showing exactly where it sits in your engine bay.

Once you locate it, grasp the handle firmly and pull straight up. The dipstick will slide out of its tube. Do not be alarmed if oil drips — this is normal. Have a paper towel or old rag ready to catch any drips and to wipe the stick clean.

Reading the dipstick correctly

After you pull the dipstick out, you will see oil coating the lower portion of the stick. Wipe this oil off completely using a clean paper towel or rag. This first wipe removes the old reading so you can get an accurate new one.

Now push the dipstick all the way back into its tube until it seats fully. You should feel a slight resistance as it goes in — this is normal. Wait a second, then pull it straight out again. This time, look at where the oil line sits on the stick. Most dipsticks have two marks: a lower line marked "Min" or "Low" and an upper line marked "Max" or "Full." Your oil level should be at or between these marks. If the oil reaches only to the minimum mark or below it, you need to add oil.

What to do if your oil is low

If the dipstick shows oil below the minimum line, you will need to add oil. Check your owner's manual to find out what type and grade your engine needs — this information is also often printed on the inside of the fuel door or on a sticker under the hood. Do not guess or use whatever oil you have on hand, because mixing oil types can affect engine performance.

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine — it usually has an oil-can symbol and twists off by hand. Remove it and set it somewhere clean. Pour in a small amount of oil, then wait a minute for it to drain down into the pan. Check the dipstick again using the same method: wipe, reinsert fully, pull out, and read. Add more oil in small amounts until the level reaches the maximum mark. Do not overfill — oil above the maximum line can damage the engine.

How often you should check your oil

Many manufacturers recommend checking oil once a month or before any long road trip. If your car is older, has higher mileage, or burns oil noticeably, check it more often — every two weeks or even weekly. A slow leak or internal wear can lower the level between scheduled oil changes, and catching it early prevents engine damage.

If you check the oil and find it drops significantly between changes — say, more than a quart in a few hundred miles — have a mechanic inspect for leaks or internal problems. A small amount of consumption is normal in older engines, but a sudden drop signals something to investigate.

Common mistakes when checking oil

The most common error is reading the dipstick without wiping it first. Oil clinging to the stick from the previous check makes the level appear higher than it actually is. Always wipe completely, reinsert, and pull out again before reading.

Another mistake is checking the oil while the engine is hot or when ready after driving. Hot oil expands and gives a false high reading. If you have just driven, wait at least five minutes before checking, or check first thing in the morning when the engine is cold. Also make sure your car is parked on level ground — checking on a slope gives an inaccurate reading because the oil pools to one side of the pan.

When to see a mechanic about oil levels

If you find yourself adding oil every few weeks even though you have not had an oil change, or if you notice oil spots under your car, have a mechanic check for leaks. A slow leak can damage your engine if left unchecked and may be a sign of a worn gasket or seal that needs replacement.

If the dipstick shows oil at the maximum mark but you have not added any, or if the level climbs on its own, this can indicate that fuel or coolant is leaking into the oil — a more serious problem. Do not ignore this. A mechanic can run a straightforward test to confirm and recommend repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the dipstick in my car?

Some newer cars use electronic oil sensors instead of a traditional dipstick. Check your owner's manual to see if your model has one. If it does, you can view the oil level on your dashboard display or through the car's infotainment system. The manual will explain how to access this reading.

Can I check oil while the engine is running?

No. Always turn off the engine and wait at least five minutes before checking. A running engine is hot and the oil circulates through the engine, so the dipstick reading will be inaccurate. You also risk burning yourself on hot engine parts.

What type of oil should I add if the level is low?

Use the exact type and grade specified in your owner's manual — usually found in the introduction section or on a sticker under the hood. Common grades are 5W-30 or 10W-40. Using the wrong type can affect fuel economy and engine performance. If you are unsure, ask a mechanic or call your car's dealership.

Is it normal for oil level to drop between oil changes?

A small drop is normal, especially in older engines or those with higher mileage. However, if the level falls more than a quart between changes, or if you need to add oil every few weeks, this suggests a leak or internal wear that a mechanic should inspect.