How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Have you ever wanted to know how to check a car’s oil on your own? Whether you drive a Land Rover or some other make, the process is quick and easy! We’ve covered everything you’ll need to know in order to take advantage of your Land Rover SUV’s electronic oil monitor or make use of a traditional dipstick. No matter which way you decide to go, you’ll be able to get back on the roads of Ridgewood and Jersey City in no time.

Using Your Land Rover SUV’s Electronic Oil Monitor

Like many models on the market today, newer Land Rover vehicles can display their current oil levels directly on their dashboard. As long as you’re parked on level ground and have a few minutes to let your oil settle, getting a reading is quick and easy:

1. Turn off your ignition and wait for ten minutes. This allows your oil to settle back into the pan.
2. Turn your key to position one, or press the “start” button without holding the brake pedal down. You want your electronics to turn on, but your engine should remain off.
3. Cycle through the options on the small display beneath your gauge cluster. Depending on your model, you’ll need to select either ‘Service Menu’ or ‘Vehicle Information’.
4. Next, you’ll need to select ‘Oil Level’. Give the system a few minutes, and your current oil level will be displayed on screen.

If you need to add more oil, simply pop open the hood and locate the cap–it should be clearly marked. Work slowly and use a funnel to avoid overfilling, and remember that you should only fill your engine with an approved oil product. Check your owner’s manual to be certain, and then grab what you need at our parts department. As long as you’re getting your oil changed on schedule, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about your oil level.

How to Check the Oil Level in a Car: Any Make

Some of the newest Land Rover models no longer include a dipstick, but if your vehicle has been on the road for more than a few years, you’re very likely to find one under the hood. Once again, you’ll need to park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine, and wait for a few minutes. Then, pop open the hood:

1. Locate the dipstick. It will usually be just to the left or the right of the engine.
2. Retrieve the dipstick from its sheath, and use a rag to wipe it clean. You might also take a moment to check the oil’s consistency and color. If it’s dark black or full of small metal particles, something is not as it should be, and you’ll need to schedule service.
3. Now that the dipstick is clean, insert it back into the sheath and draw it out once more. Now you’ll be able to get an accurate reading.
4. Check to see that the level falls between the “Min” and “Max” lines, or within a clearly-marked cross-hatched area. If it does, you’re good to go.

Land Rover Paramus Can Help with All Your Land Rover Maintenance Needs

We told you that learning how to check the oil level in a car would only take a moment! If you’re already eager to take on another challenge at home in Paramus or Fort Lee, explore more of our DIY car care tips today! On the other hand, if you’ve determined that it’s time for a professional oil change, simply schedule service online today.