How To Check Dipstick & Engine Oil - EASY 

Just got my first car at 30 years old😔 lived in NYC my whole life but moved down to Florida and I’m ashamed to ask for car help, thank you for this video

Checking oil in a long sleeve white shirt? That's a bold move my man!

I’m a single woman who just got a new car and never had any males in my life to show me these things and I’m ashamed I don’t know these things so thank you!

I'm 25. I just got a car a couple of months back. I don't know shit bout cars. I've been looking everything up on RU-vid hahaha!!! Good enough!!! Just glad I ain't walking no more.

I didn't really have a father around to show me how to do these things, thank you!

Thanks dad for not teaching me how to check my oil while you went to get milk. This nice man thought me how to do it. Thank you long sleeve white shirt guy. :)

Thank you, like some other commenters I'm also learning how to look after my car better. How to check your engine oil level isn't so obvious when you just pull out the dipstick and look at it, a clear video is wonderfully helpful.

Be sure to frequently change your oil. Check the dipstick once a week if you have no leak and 1 to 3 times a week, if you have a leak, depends on it's severity, add if you have to. Make sure the oil on the dipstick is not below the lower mark or even worse, dried out and if you top it above the high level, don't panic unless it's way up high, if it's a half an inch extra you're fine. Check your dipstick every time right after you leave the oil change shop to be on the safe side.

I’ve seen a ton of these types of videos but very few mention the oil burning in the cylinders and the low oil due to the new longer change intervals. Thank you for bringing that to light. This is probably the best oil change advice video I’ve seen on RU-vid.

I hate how the thumbnail in this video was never represented in this entire video for comparison

Thank you so much! I’ve been getting really into cars recently and so I’ve been doing tons of research. Your video was extremely helpful thank you so much!!

For those comming here to find out how to check oil, a couple of things not pointed out in this video: 1. only check your oil when the car is on a flat and level as possable surface, its useless to check oil on a vehicle that is on a hill. 2. the thumbnail is useless, oil will be dark in colour unless you do a complete engine flush. (dont believe me after you do an oil change, drive for 10mins then check it again, it will be dark and blackish lready) 3. when checking oil on the dipstick, after you pull it out to see the level. always keep the end with the oil on pointed towards the ground, if you raise it up, oil will run up the dipstick and your level will be incorrect. 4. you can put too much oil in a car, if its near the top marker, its fine. unless you know what your doing you may cause more problems trying to top it up that last little bit.

My neighbor is a retired Canadian military safety equipment mechanic and he showed me how he does it: Pull out the dipstick; note the level; squeeze the thumb and index finger down the dipstick; note the color and the presence of froth and gunk; take a sniff at it for anything unusual, if it is just a uniform light to darker shade of brown, the oil is good. Yes it is a messy job, just thoroughly wash hands afterwards.

Seemingly simple topic, however well presented with some good info. Oil additives have improved dramatically from the past, (allowing for much longer intervals than 3,000 miles) however as pointed out in this vid, oil level must be checked when stretching out beyond 6000 miles or so.

Thank you for the simple but very informative video 🙏

Trip A i use to calculate my fuel mileage and Trip B i use for my engine oil life haha works like a charm!

I like your video it just helped me out big time since wasnt sure when needed more oil and not sure when to get it changed again and don't want my car to mess up. This video made it easy to know how to check and see if needed new oil. Thanks for the help

The dipstick ought to be painted in white enamel so you can see the level

Thanks wasn't sure if you push dip stick all the way in,, and you answerd it perfectly,,, thank you.

i learnt a lot thank you. the video was easy to understand.

I usually us the “Trip A or B” counter. I reset it at oil change to “0000”. This tells me how many miles. I change occurring to miles not months. I also keep 1 quart of oil and a funnel in the truck at all times.

Thanks for getting right to the topic and showing how to check the oil, so many videos the presenter talks for ten minutes before they actually show you what the video says it is about.

Thanks for your very good explaining on how to check the engine oil, let me explain something, mostly of people suppose to know how to change an oil in the car, and some ladies know how to check oil in the car and change oil in the car, I'm speaking specially about men, I change motor oil regularly in my car every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, and that is a very basic thing to do in a car and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to do that, I'm full mechanic but I know something about a car, I had a 2003 Cadillac DeVille for 5 years but in 3 years the DeVille gave me 2 problems misfire and the starter but the starter was located under the manifold and it was a big job, I was going to 5 different shops they asked me $1,000 to $12,00 to fix my DeVille and I said wow and I was going not to spend that kind of money in my DeVille, I know for sure my DeVille needs to change the starter, but I didn't know yet why my DeVille misfire, when I checked the spark plugs and there was an oil in every each spark plugs, I said wow I found the misfire problem, the starter did cost me $63 on eBay brand new, and the gasket cover kit did cost $92 brand new in AutoZone, it did cost me $155 to do everything by myself, no more misfire problem and no more starter problem, and I almost spent 4 hours to do everything, one more thing $155 are different with $1200 and after 2 years I sold it, I don't know for someone else but believe me the engine and transmission on those DeVille are so strong, but now I have an 06 zephyr and I'm for another DeVille to buy, someone said specially for my people they said Toyota this and that and that is a completely lie its depending on how to treat your car, and favorite car are Ford Chevrolet,

If people do what he did the engine will run happy and last for a long time, ofcourse with a perfect cooling system

We are all here for 1:55

Just fast forward to 1:47, otherwise you’ll be sitting here listening to him all day

My favourite. When we pull it out my dipstick and count for 1000 one and 2000 and wipe my dipstick's oil with a towel. Change oil is very important. Check your oils regularly.

Great video. Thank you!

This helped me put alot. I'm a woman so of course don't know much about a car. Thank you car guys for your help.

Just got a car on my birthday in April, and had the engine oil changed around then. Checked again today, and it was on the low side (it just says Min or Max) it appeared, and I’m watching this after I added more… Probably should’ve done that beforehand. Hope I didn’t overfill or else I have to drain it a bit. Lol Thanks for the video!

As an added note, my Mercedes C300 recommends an oil change every 15k miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. As long as you are using a quality full synthetic oil with long life filter there is no need to change your oil as frequently as your mechanic or lube place suggests

The thumbnail was all I needed thanks lol

It would've been nice to give a close up on that dip stick!

Good info!

Excellent video.

Instructions unclear, blew up my car

For any kind of Mitsubishi that is not rallied. Oil should last 5,000 miles until your car hits 75,000 miles. Then it should drop down to 3,750 miles. After about 130,000 miles, the oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. I read that from a mechanic on a forum that worked for Ralliart in the early 2000s.

I wonder if those many multiple holes @ 4:00 in the dipstick make it more the oil level more obvious. Maybe the oil doesn't get into those holes as easily as it gets all over the stick when you put it into the tube. Do those extra holes help ?

how do we know if a vehicle is equipped with oil monitoring system based on RPM, operation time, miles, etc?

If you see videos of guys with cars still running after hundreds of thousands of miles....there is 1 common statement- they all change the oil more frequently than recommended.

Most times, when I change oil at work and the car is equipped with said oil monitor, the repair manual will tell me to reset the monitor and let it warn the customer. If the oil life isn’t a monitor and can be physically adjusted I will be told to follow the manufactures recommendations.

Very informative and helpful!

Is it mandatory to change the oil as per specifications for eg 10k km or 1yr. What happens if I have driven the car only for 5k km in a yr, does duration have something to do with the change in viscosity of fluid

Thankyou bro.....👍

Checking now thank you

Thank you and God bless

As advanced as the cars nowadays..with all kinds of censors and electronics...i'm still wondring how come technology never came up with a censor telling u ur oil level right on the dashboard..

Literally refreshing myself here I forget how to check my own damn oil lol must be an off day for me I feel like lol 🤣

How long does it take for oil to settle to the bottom of the pan ?

This car I just bought is giving me problems when it comes to checking the dip stick. When I wipe it down, reinsert, then read it, it looks like the oils level is right in the safe range. Im confused though because its like there is a little oil in the shaft that gets on the stick about 6 inches above the safe line. What’s that all about? Its not being submerged, its perhaps that it curves around a weird spot and gets oil farther up the stick.

As long as there is oil on the stick you are good. If there isnt oil on the stick you are a quart +/- low. Just add some oil or do your oil change. I have mine timed to where I go 5000 miles till oil change and around 3500-4000 miles I add half a quart. I have a 11' Nissan 370z with 100k miles on it and no problems. I also get my oil checked by a oil lab every change just in case.

Kia ceed 1.6 crdi. I am driving from 92k mile to 109k mile with no change. Though the oil looked black never had an issue. Synthetic oils can go till 15k miles.

Thank you!

I just want to know what Which Engine oil should I have to use for my car for better performance? I am using toyota premio 2008 model 1NZ-C871652.

I like the long sleeves.

mine is over ?

4:16 you mean algorithm

Does it show clearly on the dipstick? which material used on dipsticks blade? Now many engine dipsticks use steel stainless material to see clearly. I know something about how to check engine oil form Chongqing Feilong Jiangli, a professional supplier of different kind of oil dipsticks for car engine, motorcycle engine, boat

I dont have the manual anymore and there is no official service center for the vehicle. There's no indication on the cap also. Is there a way to know what kind of oil does the car need?

3,000 miles and 12 months later my lighter driven car oil change required light came on, I know simply based off time is why. The oil still looks fresh and smells good, I really dont want to take it in if the oil is still fresh until 5,000 miles.... what do u guys think should i change it just cause its been 12 months even tho it only has 3,000 miles on it??

On my 2020 Toyota Camry , I have to wait for a full 24 hours . Before I can check my oil and not have a streak of oil along the dipstick . Making it unable to tell what the true level is . After 24 hours it is clear as to what the level is .

Thanks alot

Thx bro

Is the picture on the video title accurate?

If the oil level is low and I need to add more do does it matter if I use a different oil brand or if it’s synthetic or non synthetic?

I've always wonder why car makers cant make the stick with a WHITE coating at the bottom. This would make it much easier to read. You prob have many people who THINK their level is good, but its not. Having a white area would be a much better contrast against the oil.

My oil dip stick has two holes abd the oil only goes to the first hole just got a oil change a couple months ago

I've had a headgasket replacement and they changed everything, new oil, coolant, timing chain etc.... but.... when i checked the oild dipstick, doesnt look like much oil is in there or am not seeing it because the oil is so clean. should i had little bits of oil in the car?

The best rule of thumb is if you want to drive your vehicle for 200, 000 miles or more for 10 to 20 years or more then change it every 4000 to 5000 miles with a quality synthetic oil and a new filter every time or every 6 to 9 months whichever comes 1st. 6 months if you're in harsh driving conditions (Google or bc probably 85% of us daily drivers are.. Stop and go traffic, 20 or less miles to and from work, short grocery store trips etc...) you can go 9 months to a year of you're under 5k miles but why risk it. Doing it yourself for 50 to 100 bucks per year with high quality oil/filter and you're engine will thank you for decades. If you don't do it yourself you can just use coupons or deals at the shops for just basic non synthetic oil and probably do it every 3 to 4000 miles (so 3 to 4 times a year) for less than 150 bucks a year. Oil is cheap compared to engine problems. You don't need the 15000 or 20000 mile oil, just your cheap basic synthetic is fine, I use Costco Kirkland synthetic and get it when it's on sale for less than 30 dollars. 2 to 3 New filters and I'm good for the year. 1 hr of work per year. Easy peasy.

I wonder when engineers will think to invent an oil level monitor sensor.

I read somewhere four some cars that they burn half a quart every 600 miles or one one quart every 1000 miles.

Will it be fine if I run a lawn mower on a small yard for a short but if time a little low. Just right at add?

Question on 2014 Nissan Sentra I've been very closely watching my oil because I've had the catalytic converter go out twice in a year and this one needs to be replaced again. Check engine light P0420. I'm shopping for a new car now because this car has had so many big issues I just can't continue to invest in it. I don't know how much time it has left, not long I'm sure. The burning smell, black residue on the back of the car, and now louder sounds coming from the engine feel like I'm hearing all the alarms go off on a patient slipping away. I just need the car to last 4-8 more weeks and I'll be in a new car and I will donate it for scrap parts. My question is when I checked the oil tonight I feel like I smell gas on the napkin I wiped the dipstick on. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me but I'm so sure I'm smelling gas. Obviously, I'm not a mechanic so maybe the answer is "that's perfectly normal" but i don't think so, so I have to ask. Sorry this is so long. I hope you have time to read and answer. And please any other responses, please be kind. This has been the most stressful situation just swinging from one day into the next day hoping it lasts a little bit longer.

What happens if it s been Over filled and is one inch above Full Mark?

Today’s modern engines can EASILY go 10,000 between oil changes if using a high quality full synthetic motor oil like Mobil 1.

my 07 4runner dipstick has oil 15 inches above the top dot. I have no idea if theres too much or the dipstick is reading the level wrong

You are supposed to check your engine oil 5 minutes after driving while the engine is hot, if the oil reading isn't in the xxxx zone on the dipstick fill up your oil and keep checking the oil dipstick until you see the oil in the xxxx zone, whether it's your dream car or not take care of your engine.

Nice 😊😊😊

I did not change oil in my 2016 Camry for 2 years. I am in Canada and I am not aggressive driver. The oil is 0W20, I assume it is synthetic because it was a dealer who changed it 2 years ago. Due to COVID I was scared to go to mechanic. In two years I travelled only 1,200 km or 800 miles, while the Manual tells to change the oil at 10,000 miles or 12 months whatever comes first. My total mileage is also low - only 3,700 miles as I do not drive much. Please, advise should I worry that I did not change the oil for 24 months, while having very low mileage in the last 2 years?

I’m all ocd bc my dad taught me to do this and check the fluids and tires b4 a long trip. I don’t know if I’m reading mine right tho so I’ll have the gas guy check it...there’s two dots..the oil covers the bottom but isn’t like, “on” the top dot, like sticking to it...but it is on the stick above that dot, so I dunno... they should bring back those hash marks he showed 👍🏻

i checked my car's oil level before starting it in the morning and it was well above full level, it's been like this for months, didn't get any errors or problems, did i measure right , should i measure after turning on the engine?

I need a longer dipstick, because mine doesn't reach the oil. 🤣🤣😂😆

I legit can't tell where it's marking. 2012 Toyota Corolla LE changed oil since maint req light came on. Changed the oil filter, emptied the pan waiting forever for the last drop HAH anyways had a 5qt oil container and I didn't add it all since it calls for 4.4 qt. Took the car off the ramps. Let it run for 2 mins. Waited. Checked the oil level a million times, wiping it off and dipping it all the way in. All on level ground. The oil obviously isn't as dark as it was before the oil change. I checked under the car and no leakage. I'm going to let it rest over night and check it in the morning. Any advice??? I didnt think my eyes were that bad. I can tell the dipstick is wet just not a clear level of indication where it stands.

I changed oil to havoiline 10/40 . When i check after engine is cooled down. Its just oil at the tip of disptick. Yellowish color. But rest seems white color. Is it normal

my engine oil is low i can't tell if its bone dry or is it just my mind i can't believe it can i just top up with 946ml oil and then drive it to a garage for an oil change is it safe? i'm getting my oil pan replaced but it's low on oil. i haven't had the computer tell me i have low oil pressure or low oil level and that's concerning me.

Mr. Justin - Nice presentation....basically. Could you please redo your vid.... Explain to those who are not Automotive Chairperson of anything.... Should the vehicle should be parked level, for oil level check? What would be the difference in level on the dipstick, for an overnight, cold engine - & a hot engine, given a few minutes to drain down? Would an apprentice, get "Booted-Up"? If he dropped a drop of oil? - Not holding the dipstick horizontal - Tissue under?

Hey, it’s been 5k miles since my last full synthetic oil change. I checked my oil today and it’s very light yellow above both dots. Ik they say to get it changed every 5-10k miles, but Idk. Why does it look good then? It’s a Toyota btw one of the newer models. Idk if that helps cuz I’m not an expert. Every time I try to seek out expert opinions, they try to get me to buy services I don’t really need, so that’s why I’m unsure about this. Should I get it changed anyways?

Hi..what is the best engine oil for Kia Sportage GDi 2015..

I am having a weird peoblem with the dip stick. When i am checking out my dip stick it is not showing the same or not even to near to same on both sides. One side is showing less than half and the other side is showing full. What should i do!? My car is a Toyota premio 2004 model. Need sugggestion.

do you check it when the engine is cold or when its hot? thank u

I don't know what's going on I never got the oil pan drop though I don't know it could it really be the filter inside of it. I've had bought everything for this truck have brand new parts sitting in my house. I have paid so many mechanics that came out and never fixed the problem. I still drive the truck it is a strong truck but I haven't solved that oil problem yet while my light is still blinking in the truck

Is the whole wire supposed to be oily?

Does your engine need to be hot or cold when you check your oil?

I have a '99 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2L I have changed the oil I have changed the pressure oil sensor put 5 quarts back in and it still doesn't read. It don't be any oil on my dipstick. Only when I have the truck warmed up and on it only show oil on the whole entire stick and that's strange

i have a problem with one side of the stick saying full and the other side saying 2 quarts low no matter how many times i retry. which side do i go by?

What if I filled just above the full marking ? Do I need to drain it or is it ok ?

Nice

he looks like corporal Timothy E. Upham in Save private Ryan movie!

Do you check oil level after you put the fresh oil or do you have to warm the engine first before checking the oil level?

My mom started yelling at me bc I didn’t know how to check oil and told me to watch a YT video. Fxcking parent of the fxcking year.