How to Check Car Oil

If you want to protect the internal components of your Toyota vehicle, as any responsible Tallahassee driver should, then you owe it to yourself to routinely check your car oil. Read on below to find out how to check car oil with the expert service technicians here at Peter Boulware Toyota. 

How to Check the Car Oil Level in Your Vehicle

Although newer Toyota vehicles have electronic oil monitors that eliminate the need for traditional dipsticks, every model and brand is different, so you should consult your owner’s manual before checking your oil level. If you’re learning how to check car oil manually, just follow the basic instructions outlined below: 

• Park the vehicle on level ground and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes to ensure the engine has cooled off. 
• Open up the vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick. 
• Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe any oil off the end of it. 
• Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then remove it again and examine both sides to see where the level is.

Why Learn How to Check Car Oil Levels?

Maintaining the proper oil level is absolutely critical to the future performance of your vehicle. Experts recommend getting an oil change twice a year, depending on the model and driving frequency. However, you should check your oil at least once a month. That way, you can always rest assured that there are no oil leaks and your car has ample oil. 

Have you noticed that your car’s hood is burning hot to the touch, even during the fall or winter seasons? Is there steam billowing out from under the hood? Your car could potentially have an oil leak that’s causing the engine to overheat. In this case, your best bet is to schedule a service appointment at Peter Boulware Toyota immediately to have the problem taken care of! 

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Now that you know how to check car oil levels, it’s equally important to know how to reset the oil change light on your vehicle. However, you’ll only want to reset the oil change light if you’ve actually changed your oil. Choosing to ignore your oil change light warning or miss an oil change could result in serious damage to your vehicle. 

Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Reset Oil Change Light

1. Turn all systems of your car off, except the engine. 
2. Locate the “reset” button or switch on the dashboard. It’s typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge. 
3. Hold the button down until the oil change light begins flashing. Keep in mind that signs of resetting may differ based on the vehicle.
4. Turn off the ignition, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on. 

Keep Your Car in Great Condition with the Service Team at Peter Boulware Toyota!

Here at Peter Boulware Toyota, we offer lucrative service specials, expert advice, and high-quality oil change service. Just schedule an appointment with us today or contact us online to get the maintenance you need. We look forward to seeing you in Tallahassee soon!