How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

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Do This to Avoid a Catastrophic Engine Failure

Since oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle’s engine, those who don’t bother to check if their vehicle is running low on oil are making a terrible mistake that could potentially lead to catastrophic engine damage. Bear in mind that oil provides lubrication for the engine’s moving parts to ensure that they don’t grind against each other.

One of the most important things you need to do to keep your car in good condition is to check its oil level. You should do this once a month at the very least or when the situation calls for it. Your car may malfunction if it doesn’t have the right amount of oil in its engine.

Most new car models on the market have an electronic monitoring system that automatically checks the oil level. If your vehicle doesn’t have this feature, you should learn how to check the oil level yourself. Thankfully, the process of checking your car’s engine oil level is easy. This simple car maintenance task can help you keep your car on the road for many more years.

Your Guide to Checking Your Car’s Engine Oil Level

Checking the oil level in your car and making sure that your engine is adequately lubricated is an easy task that won’t take too much time. If you want your car to achieve peak engine performance and get the most miles out of it, check out this step-by-step guide on how to check your car’s engine oil.

1. Park your car on level ground and turn off the ignition.

Before you start with the process of checking your car’s oil level, you need to park your vehicle on level ground before you turn off the ignition. To avoid burning your hand when touching a hot engine component, make sure that the engine is cold.

However, it’s important to note that in some cars, you need to warm up the engine first before checking the oil level. To make sure that you’re doing the right thing, check the manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Locate and remove the dipstick.

With the engine off, the next step is to open the car’s hood and locate the dipstick. Its handle is usually colored yellow or orange. In many car models, you can find the dipstick on the left side of the engine.

Once you’ve found the dipstick, carefully remove it from its tube. Since this long piece of metal is drenched in oil, use a lint-free rag or an old fabric to wipe off any oil from its end before you insert it back into its tube.

3. Insert the dipstick back into the tube.

Now that the dipstick is oil-free, push it back into the tube where you pulled it from so you can get an accurate indication of your oil level.

4. Pull the dipstick out again.

Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level based on the marks or lines on the dipstick. If the level is normal, reinsert the tube. However, if it isn’t, try feeling the oil’s texture by touching the dipstick. If it’s gritty, get the oil changed; if not, simply add oil using a funnel.

Ready to Part Ways with Your Old Vehicle?

If you’re looking to dispose of an unwanted vehicle in the easiest, most convenient, and most rewarding way possible, talk to us at Breast Cancer Car Donations. When you volunteer to donate that vehicle to us, you’ll be helping needy breast cancer patients in your community get the medical care and treatment they badly need. And we will make sure you’ll get amply rewarded for your generous deed.

We will have your car auctioned off, with the proceeds going to reputable breast cancer nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These nonprofits use the funding we give to finance the comprehensive breast health services they deliver to their beneficiaries.

The services include providing uninsured and indigent breast cancer patients with easy access to top cancer centers in the country and giving them financial assistance to cover the costs of their treatments, doctor consultations, medications, follow-up care, and other essential health care services.

Other beneficiaries get to receive free breast cancer screening, diagnosis, as well as prevention and education services.

As our way of saying “thank you” to you, we’ll pick up and tow your vehicle for free at a date, time, and place of your choice. Be assured that we can collect your vehicle in any location in the United States.

Since our charity partners are IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits, your donation will entitle you to receive the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Even more precious than these material rewards, you’ll find awesome satisfaction in knowing that your donation will be used to help save lives.

You can donate almost any type of vehicle, including your deceased uncle’s boat or your grandma’s ancient motorized wheelchair. The vehicle doesn’t need to be in good condition. In many cases, we accept even vehicles that are no longer running.

For more information about our donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process, feel free to visit our FAQs page. Give us a call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-540-5069 or contact us here if you have any inquiries or concerns.

Become a Champion for Breast Cancer Patients Today!

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We can turn your unneeded car into a powerful life-saving tool for the benefit of needy breast cancer patients in your area. Your car donation can help them win their battle for survival. Call Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or fill out our secure online donation form now!

Last Updated: March 10th, 2023