How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car?

Engine oil, motor oil, or simply “oil”, is a crucial piece to the puzzle that is your Toyota engine and without it, your vehicle wouldn’t be able to function properly. In vehicles that employ an internal combustion engine, motor oil serves the vital role of lubricating key powertrain components. This reduces friction and dissipates heat, keeping your vehicle running as it should. 

If you’ve ever rubbed your thumb and forefinger together dry vs. covered in cooking oil, you’ll understand the kind of lubricative properties oil offers and why learning how to check car oil is so important. So, read on to learn more or visit our service center or call 833-315-3922 with questions. 

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Most newer Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs in Mission Hills and Cerritos come equipped with electronic oil monitors that don’t use traditional dipsticks. In these types of vehicles, all that’s required to check your oil level is to look at your vehicle’s information display, typically behind the dash. That having been said, if you’re trying to check oil on an older vehicle or look to see the oil’s color or something like that, here’s what to do:

1. Park on level ground and be sure that the engine is both turned off and cold.
2. Pop the hood and locate the dipstick. You can refer to your owner’s manual for help.
3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off any oil from the end of it.
4. Put the dipstick back into its tube. Pull it out again. Then, look at both sides to see where the level is located. 

Dipsticks always have some marker to indicating where the proper oil level is. If the top of your oil level falls between two marks or within a cross-hatched area, you should be all good. If it isn’t, you’ll need to add more oil or get a Toyota Service Fluid Replacement done at our service center in Los Angeles. The good news is that although you can schedule an appointment in advance, you can also simply drive to us for express maintenance.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level at All?

Maintaining a good oil level is absolutely critical to your vehicle’s overall functionality and longevity — so much so that it’s recommended you get oil changes done at least twice yearly, even if you don’t drive a lot. Most newer vehicles will need oil changes roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles. That having been said, oil checks should be performed at least once a month. This way, you can always feel confident that there are no leaks, and your car has enough oil for all your journeys through Cerritos. 

How to Reset an Oil Change Light

Every car is different. That being said, generally, the process for how to reset an oil change light is simple:

• Turn all vehicle systems off, but leave the engine on.
• Locate the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (usually, you can find this near the speedometer and the fuel level gauge).
• Hold the button down until the oil change light starts to flash.
• Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

This should reset your oil light, but you can also just contact our service experts if you have additional questions.

Let the Toyota of Downtown LA Service Team Keep Your Car in Prime Condition

Ready to get your car into the best shape its ever been in? The Toyota of Downtown LA service team is here to help. Stop by our Los Angeles location, convenient to Hollywood and Carson today! Meanwhile, browse our service specials for maximum savings on your next oil change appointment or diagnostic service appointment.