Step by step
- Park on level ground and switch off the engine. Wait several minutes so the oil drains back down (your manual may say whether to check warm or cold).
- Open the hood and find the dipstick — usually a brightly colored loop handle.
- Pull it out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
- Push it all the way back in, then pull it out again.
- Read the level where the oil film ends, between the low and full marks.
- Put the dipstick back fully.
How to top up
Use the oil your car specifies — see what oil does my car take. Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine (not the dipstick tube, on most cars), add a small amount, wait a minute, and recheck. Repeat until the level is near the upper mark. Don’t overfill.
How often to check
Many manuals suggest checking regularly — some at every fill-up or two, others monthly. Engines can use some oil between changes, and older or high-mileage engines often use more. Checking is also the easiest way to catch a leak early. Changing the oil is a separate job on its own schedule — see how often to change oil.
Common questions
The oil is dark. Does it need changing?
Not necessarily — oil darkens as it does its job. Go by your car’s schedule or oil-life monitor rather than color alone.
My car doesn’t have a dipstick.
Some newer cars measure the level electronically and show it in the instrument display or settings menu. Your owner’s manual explains how.
The oil pressure light came on.
That’s different from a low-level reading. Stop somewhere safe, switch off the engine, and check the level before driving further.