Do you know the basics of checking your oil? The answer should be yes… but if not, then we’ve got a guide for you. Our next question is: do you know how often you should be checking your oil? The answer to THAT one is “every month,” because you shouldn’t be waiting for oil changes to crack open the hood!

Checking your oil at least once a month lets you get more in touch with your engine, your vehicle as a whole, and any problems that might be starting up in your engine that you might not have experienced the effects of yet.

The oil in your engine is like blood in your veins. If there’s something wrong with it, you can almost guarantee that there’s an issue (or that there will soon be an issue) in your engine that needs to be addressed. Nip it in the bud! Check your oil often! Here’s how!

• Open the hood. Prop it so it stays open.

• Locate the oil dipstick next to the engine. It should have a yellow handle and/or be labeled.

• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel.

• Dip the stick all the way back in.

• Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s in the middle of the hatched/indicated area, you’re good. More is better, less is okay, but if you’re lower than the area you need to get your oil topped up and have your system checked for leaks.

• Look at the oil quality and color. If there are a lot of particles or if the oil looks sludgy, you need to get it changed as soon as possible.

• Put the dipstick back in.

• Close your hood.