Reading your oil dipstick tells you if your engine has enough oil right now
Your oil dipstick is a thin metal rod that slides into a tube running down into your oil pan. It has two marks on it — a minimum line and a maximum line — and it tells you whether your oil level is safe to drive on. Checking it takes about two minutes and requires no tools. You do this with the engine off and parked on level ground, ideally after the car has been sitting for at least five minutes so the oil has time to drain back into the pan.
Most cars need an oil check every month or before a long trip. If you notice your oil light on the dashboard, check the dipstick before you drive anywhere. Low oil can damage your engine quickly, so this is one of the fastest ways to know whether you need to add oil before your next oil change.
Key Takeaways
- Park on level ground with the engine off and wait five minutes for oil to settle before checking.
- Pull the dipstick straight out, wipe it clean on a paper towel, then reinsert it fully and pull it out again to read the true level.
- The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks; if it is below minimum, add the correct oil type for your car.
- Check your owner's manual to find where the dipstick is located, since the tube handle color and position vary by vehicle.
Locate the dipstick under your hood
Open your hood and look for a tube with a handle sticking out of the engine block. The handle is usually yellow, orange, red, or black plastic, and it has a small loop or ring you can grip. On some cars it is near the front of the engine; on others it is toward the back or side. If you cannot spot it when ready, check your owner's manual — it will have a diagram showing the exact location for your model.
Once you find it, make sure the engine is completely cool or has been off for at least five minutes. Hot oil can splash and burn you, and hot oil also sits higher in the pan than it actually does when cool, giving you a false reading.
Pull the dipstick straight out and wipe it clean
Grip the handle firmly and pull the dipstick straight up and out of the tube. You may need to wiggle it slightly side to side as you pull, but do not twist it. Oil will be on the rod — this is normal.
Take a paper towel or clean cloth and wipe the oil off the entire length of the dipstick. Wipe from the tip all the way up to the handle. This removes the old oil so you can see the fresh oil that will coat it when you reinsert it. If you do not wipe it clean, you will be reading yesterday's oil level, not today's.
Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out to read
Slide the dipstick back into the tube and push it down until it stops. You should feel it seat at the bottom. Now pull it straight out again without wiping it. The oil that coats the rod this time is your current oil level.
Look at where the oil ends on the rod. You will see two marks — usually a lower line labeled "MIN" or "L" and an upper line labeled "MAX" or "F" (for full). The oil should reach somewhere between these two marks. If the oil is right at the maximum mark, your level is full. If it is halfway between, your level is fine. If it is below the minimum mark, you need to add oil.
Add oil if the level is below the minimum mark
If your dipstick shows the oil is below the minimum line, you will need to add oil before driving. Check your owner's manual or the oil cap under your hood to find out what type of oil your car uses — this is usually listed as something like "5W-30" or "10W-40". Buy that exact type.
Unscrew the oil cap on top of the engine (it usually has an oil can symbol on it), place a funnel in the opening, and pour in about half a quart of oil. Wait a minute for it to drain down, then check the dipstick again using the same process — wipe, reinsert, pull out, read. Add more oil in small amounts until the level reaches between the minimum and maximum marks. Do not overfill; oil above the maximum mark can damage your engine.
Screw the oil cap back on tightly and close your hood. If your oil light was on, it should turn off within a few seconds of starting the engine, though sometimes it takes a short drive for the light to clear.
Check your oil regularly to catch problems early
Make checking your dipstick part of your monthly routine, or before any trip longer than a few hours. If you find that your oil level drops noticeably between oil changes — say, more than a quart every month — that can signal a leak or internal engine wear. Catching this early by checking regularly means you can address it before it becomes expensive.
Keep a quart or two of your car's oil type in your trunk or garage so you are not caught without it if you need to top off. Most auto parts stores can tell you the correct type for your vehicle if you give them your year, make, and model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I check my oil when the engine is hot or cold?
Check it when the engine is cold or has been off for at least five minutes. Hot oil sits higher in the pan and gives a false high reading. If you must check hot oil, wait as long as you can and know the reading will be slightly higher than the true level.
What if I cannot find the dipstick on my car?
Some newer cars do not have a traditional dipstick and instead use an electronic oil sensor that displays the level on your dashboard. Check your owner's manual to confirm. If your car has no dipstick, you can still check oil level through the vehicle's menu system, usually under "Settings" or "Vehicle Information."
Can I check the oil while the car is parked on a slope?
No. Always park on level ground before checking. A slope tilts the oil pan and gives you an inaccurate reading. If you are on a slope, move the car to flat ground, wait five minutes, then check.
What does it mean if oil is on the dipstick but below the minimum mark?
It means your oil level is low and you should add oil before driving long distances. Below the minimum mark, your engine may not have enough oil to lubricate all moving parts properly. Add oil until the level reaches between the two marks.
How often should I check my oil dipstick?
Check it at least once a month and before any long trip. If your car is older, burns oil, or has high mileage, check it more often — every two weeks or before each fill-up. Your owner's manual may have specific guidance for your vehicle.