How to Check Car Oil

No matter what kind of Acura vehicle you drive, knowing how to check the oil level in a car can save you time and money. Your owner’s manual and Acura recommended maintenance schedule should give you a good idea of how often to change your oil. In the guide below, the auto maintenance experts ts Acura of Baton Rouge show you how to check car oil, and what to do next if it’s time for a change.

How to Check Car Oil with an Electric Oil Monitor

Like many new models on the market, new Acura sedans and SUVs monitor oil levels electronically and display the reading on the dashboard. When reading the display, be sure to park on a level surface and wait several minutes for the oil to settle. Follow these steps for how to check car oil with an electric oil monitor:

1. Shut off your engine and wait ten minutes. This gives the oil a chance to settle down in the pan, providing a more accurate reading.
2. Turn your key the ignition one position to the right — turning on the electronics, but not the engine.
3. Use your infotainment touchscreen to view the vehicle information.
4. Select “Oil Level.” Wait for a few minutes as the system registers the current oil level.

If the electronic oil reader indicates that levels are low, you need to add oil. Open the hood and locate the oil reservoir cap, which will be clearly marked. Slowly add oil via a funnel. Re-check the level after each addition, being careful not to overfill.

Keep in mind that you should only fill your engine with an oil product that’s approved for your Acura oil change. Order the products you need online, or drop by our parts center in Baton Rouge.

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car with a Dipstick

Newer Acura models don’t use a traditional oil dipstick, but you will need to check your oil this way with a slightly older vehicle. Fortunately, it’s simple and takes just a few minutes. Park on level ground, shut off the engine, and wait for it to cool down. Then follow these steps for how to check car oil with a dipstick:

1. Locate the dipstick, which is usually just left or right of the engine.
2. Draw out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Here, you may want to check that the oil isn’t dark black or full of small metal particles. If it is, schedule service for an oil change at Acura service center near East Baton Rouge.
3. Insert the clean oil dipstick all the way back into the reservoir. Draw it out once again and make sure that the oil level reaches between “Min” and “Max”.

Acura of Baton Rouge Can Help with All Your Maintenance Needs

Curious about other DIY car-care skills that you can master at home in Ascension or Livingston? We’re happy to offer expert tips for removing battery corrosion, cleaning leather seats, and more when you give us a call. Learn more about how which type of oil is right for your car with our breakdown of regular vs synthetic car oil.

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