How do I check to see if my car's oil needs to be changed?

If you are one of the lucky few who own a vehicle that tracks your mileage between oil changes, then this post isn't for you.  For everyone else, read on to get the know how.  It's simple really...pop the hood, find the oil dipstick handle and voila you look at the marks to tell if your oil needs to be changed.  Which mark is the low mark?  What color should the oil be? Where is the dipstick handle?  Let me break it down for you.  Before you start, grab a cloth that you don't mind getting oil on.

​After you pop the hood and prop it up, you will see a (usually) yellow handle.  This is your oil dipstick.

Next you will grab the handle and pull the dipstick out of its tube.  Wipe it with a cloth, stick it back in all the way, then pull it out again.  Examine where the oil is at on the stick (see image below).  They won't all have the L and F to indicate Low and Full, but the lines will be on all sticks.  Some will have a solid, etched block indicating the between level. 

And that's it.  Simple, yet something YOU can perform to ease your mind.  If you find that the level stays in the Low area after adding oil or having your oil changed, then you might have an oil leak which should be diagnosed.  We are always here to help with any of your automotive repair needs!