How to Check Your Car’s Oil (And How Often to Change It)

Learning how to check car oil takes two minutes and can save an engine. To check your car’s oil, park on level ground with the engine off and cool, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, push it all the way back in and pull it out again. The oil should sit between the two marks and look amber to dark brown. Most modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, or when the oil-life monitor says so, and at least once a year even if you drive very little.

This guide covers how to check and read your oil, how often to change it, how much and what type your car needs, the signs of an engine burning oil, and how to dispose of used oil properly.

How to Check Your Oil Step by Step

1. Park on level ground and turn the engine off. Wait at least 5–10 minutes after driving so oil drains back to the pan, or check it cold in the morning.
2. Open the hood and find the dipstick, usually with a yellow or orange loop handle.
3. Pull it out and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
4. Reinsert it fully, then pull it out again and hold it level.
5. Read the level: it should be between the two dots, lines or the cross-hatched area.
6. Check the condition: look at the color and rub a drop between your fingers.
7. Top up if needed: remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine and add a small amount of the correct oil with a funnel, wait a minute, and recheck. Do not overfill.

Some newer cars, especially many European models, have no dipstick and show oil level on the dashboard or infotainment screen. Follow the owner’s manual for how to check it.

What Your Oil Should Look Like

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

The old 3,000-mile rule does not apply to most modern engines and oils. Your owner’s manual is the best guide, and many list a “normal” and a “severe” schedule. Oil-life monitors calculate remaining life from engine revolutions, temperatures and driving patterns, so they call for changes sooner on short-trip city driving and later on steady highway driving.

How Much Oil Does My Car Need?

Most passenger cars hold about 4 to 8 quarts of oil including the filter. Small four-cylinder engines are often around 4 to 5 quarts, while V6 and V8 engines commonly need 6 to 8 quarts or more. The exact capacity is in your owner’s manual under specifications. When topping up between changes, you usually need much less: on many cars one quart raises the level from the low mark to the full mark on the dipstick.

What Type of Oil Does My Car Take?

• Viscosity grade: the two numbers, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30. The first number with a “W” (winter) shows how easily the oil flows when cold; lower means better cold starts. The second number shows thickness at normal engine temperature.
• Certification: look for the certification your manual specifies, such as the API “starburst” or an ILSAC or manufacturer approval. European cars often require specific manufacturer approvals.
• Synthetic, blend or conventional: many modern engines require full synthetic. Synthetic resists breakdown better and allows longer intervals.
• High-mileage oil: contains seal conditioners that may help older engines with minor leaks or oil consumption.

Use exactly the grade and specification in your manual or on the oil filler cap. The wrong viscosity can affect fuel economy, oil pressure and, on some engines, timing systems.

Is Your Car Burning Oil?

Some oil consumption between changes is normal on some engines, but losing a lot, or suddenly more than usual, needs attention. Signs include:

• Needing to add oil frequently between changes
• Blue-gray smoke from the exhaust, especially on start-up or when accelerating
• A burning oil smell
• Oily or fouled spark plugs, misfires or a rough idle
• An oil pressure warning light (pull over safely and turn the engine off)

Common causes are worn piston rings or valve seals, a clogged PCV valve, or a turbocharger leaking oil. Oil that disappears without smoke is often leaking instead: look for drips under the car or oil on the engine. Keep track of how much you add and how often; that record helps your mechanic diagnose the problem.

Changing Your Own Oil

A DIY oil change usually costs about $30 to $60 in oil and a filter, compared with roughly $40 to $130 at a shop depending on oil type. You need the right oil and filter, a wrench for the drain plug, a filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel and gloves.

• Lift the car safely: use drive-on ramps or a jack with rated jack stands on solid, level ground. Never get under a car supported only by a jack.
• Replace the drain plug washer if your car uses one, and tighten the plug and filter to spec, not as hard as possible.
• Fill with the correct amount, run the engine for a minute, check for leaks, then recheck the level after it settles.
• Reset the oil-life monitor using the procedure in your manual.

How to Dispose of Used Motor Oil

Never pour used oil on the ground, into drains or in the trash. According to the EPA, the oil from one oil change can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water. Pour used oil into a sealed container, such as the empty new-oil bottles, and take it with the used filter to an auto parts store that accepts used oil, a quick-lube shop or a household hazardous waste site. Most take it for free.

What an Oil Change Costs

Car Oil FAQ