How to Check Car Oil

Motor oil helps regular engine temperature by keeping engine parts well-lubricated. How can you tell when your Mazda is due for an oil change? Your Mazda vehicle’s recommended service intervals should give you a general idea, but you can find out for sure by learning how to check car oil. Checking your oil only takes a few minutes, and you can do it right in your own driveway in Sarasota! Keep reading to find out how.

How to Check Car Oil Levels Step-by-Step

Learning how to check oil levels in a car is simple, even without any auto maintenance experience. All you need to do is pop the hood, find the oil reservoir, and make sure the oil reaches the proper level! Refer to your Mazda owner’s manual or follow the steps below:

1. Park your car on level ground and cut the engine.
2. Wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool down.
3. Pop the hood and locate the oil reservoir. You should see a pull tab on the reservoir tank.
4. Pull the tab and draw out the oil dipstick, a long thin metal rod used to measure the level of oil in the reservoir.
5. Pull the dipstick fully out of the reservoir and wipe off the oil with a clean rag.
6. Now, re-insert the clean dipstick all the way into the reservoir.
7. Steadily draw out the dipstick, taking care not to smudge the oil on the stick.
8. Carefully inspect the oil on either side of the dipstick.
9. Your Mazda vehicle’s dipstick is marked with a range for the correct oil level. Check whether the oil level is within this range, and make adjustments if necessary.
10. If levels are low, add oil a little at a time, re-checking levels with the dipstick after each addition.

Why Are Oil Changes Important?

Regular oil checks are a great way to keep tabs on your Mazda vehicle’s health between scheduled service visits. A sudden drop in oil levels may indicate worn-out oil seals, an oil reservoir leak, or degraded engine gaskets. Dirty oil will tell you when it’s time to schedule an oil change at a certified Mazda service center in Bradenton. You’ll also save money — DIY auto maintenance can help you catch problems while they’re small, and an oil change will cost you a lot less than a damaged engine block.

Find Essential Auto Service and Maintenance at Cox Mazda

Now that you know how to check oil levels in a car with confidence, give it a try at home in Tampa! Our team of expert Mazda technicians is here to help if you have any questions. If you’d rather have a professional take a look at your car, get in touch to learn about our service specials for drivers in the Palmetto area! When you want to learn more about service, be sure to learn more about tire rotations.