1. Ana Parise ENGL 393

2.  Checking a car’s oil is essential to keeping it maintained properly.  The purpose of checking the oil is to keep the car functioning at an optimum level between regular oil changes.  A car’s oil needs to be checked at least twice monthly.

3.  Your vehicle  Your vehicle’s owner’s manual  Paper towels or rags If you find that the oil level is low:  A quart of oil  A funnel (to avoid spills)

4.  Turn the engine off, place the car in park, and apply the emergency brake before lifting the car’s hood.  If the car’s engine is warm, avoid touching metal parts to prevent burns.  Do not touch the metal part of the dipstick with bare hands.

5.  Park the car on level ground. This is important to ensure an accurate oil level reading.  Note: Depending on the car’s make and model, a manufacturer may recommend checking the oil level when the engine is warm or when it is cold. Check your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.

6.  Open the hood and make sure that the hood is affixed securely in its upright position.

7.  Locate the dipstick, pull it out from the engine and wipe off any oil from the end.

8.  Replace the dipstick. Make sure to reinsert it completely into the engine, and remove it once again.

9.  Hold the dipstick horizontally to read the oil level.  Note: Not all dipsticks are the same. Refer to your owner’s manual to ensure that you are reading the oil level properly.

10.  If your car’s oil level is normal, replace the dipstick and close the hood.  If your car’s oil level is low, proceed to step seven

11.  If the oil level is low, then oil needs to be added.  Check the owner’s manual to see what type of oil the manufacturer recommends.  To add oil, you need to locate the oil filler cap. This is usually located near the top of the engine, and is marked with the following symbol:

12.  Additional materials for this optional step include a quart of oil and a funnel.

13.  Remove the oil filler cap and put the funnel into place. Add half of the quart of oil to start, and recheck the oil level.

14.  If the oil level is within the normal range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood.  If the oil level is still too low, gradually add more oil, and check the level after each addition.

15.  Once the oil level reaches the normal range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood.