What is the correct way to check engine oil level?

A correct check is quick, reliable, and helps protect your engine: park on level ground, engine off, wait for the oil to settle, read the level on the dipstick between the min and max marks, and top up only with the recommended oil if needed. Some newer cars use electronic sensors, but the basic principle—read the level when the engine is off and on level ground—still applies.

Step-by-step check using the dipstick

These steps describe the traditional method most drivers use to read oil on the dipstick. They also apply to many vehicles that offer an electronic reading as a backup or alternative.

1. Park on level ground and turn off the engine. For best results, wait 5–10 minutes to let the oil settle in the sump.


2. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. It usually has a brightly colored handle (yellow or orange).


3. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a lint-free rag or paper towel.


4. Reinsert the dipstick fully, then pull it out again to check the oil level.


5. Look at the oil level on the dipstick. The oil should be between the MIN and MAX marks. If it’s between these marks, your oil level is acceptable; if it’s below MIN, you need to add more oil.


6. If topping up is needed, add oil in small increments (often 1/2 quart or 500 ml at a time) through the oil filler cap. Recheck after each addition to avoid overfilling.


7. After reading, wipe the dipstick clean again and reinsert it, then close the hood. If readings look unusual or you notice leaks, have the level checked by a professional.

For modern vehicles with electronic oil level sensors, the process is similar in principle, but the reading appears in the instrument cluster. If the dipstick reading and the cluster reading don’t align, rely on the vehicle’s manual guidance or seek service.

Concluding guidance: Always use the oil specification (viscosity and grade) recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and avoid overfilling, which can cause engine damage or seals to leak.

Reading results and what they mean

Dipstick readings are direct, tangible indicators of oil quantity. Electronic sensors provide a digital readout in the dashboard or infotainment system. In both cases, readings should reflect oil that is clean and at the proper level. If the oil looks milky, unusually dark, or smells burnt, or if you see a drop in level between checks, there may be a leak or engine issue that warrants a professional inspection.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Be mindful of these mistakes that can give false readings or lead to unnecessary additions.

• Reading the oil when the engine is hot or immediately after driving, which can give an inaccurately high reading.


• Reading on an uneven or sloped surface on purposefully, which skews the level.


• Using the wrong oil grade or adding too much oil at once, risking overfill and pressure problems.


• Relying solely on an electronic sensor without cross-checking the dipstick when the vehicle manual suggests both methods.

Concluding paragraph: Regular, careful checks—on level ground, with the engine off after settling—help catch low oil before it becomes a problem. If you’re ever unsure, consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic.

How often should you check oil?

Most manufacturers advise checking oil at least once a month and before long trips. If your vehicle uses synthetic oil or operates under extreme conditions (heavy towing, high temperatures, frequent short trips), more frequent checks are prudent. Always adhere to the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner’s manual.

Summary

The correct way to check engine oil level involves parking levelly, letting the oil settle, reading the dipstick between the MIN and MAX marks, and topping up carefully with the recommended oil if needed. For many new vehicles, an electronic sensor provides a parallel reading in the instrument cluster. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions, oil type, and capacities, and avoid overfilling or ignoring signs of oil contamination or leaks. Regular checks help protect the engine and extend its life.

Do you check the oil when the engine is hot or cold?

You should check the oil when the engine is cold, as this provides the most accurate reading since all the oil has settled in the oil pan. If you can't check it when it's cold, wait at least 5-10 minutes after turning the engine off to allow the oil to drain back down into the pan before checking, but know that the cold engine method is the most accurate. Always check on a flat surface and check your owner's manual for specific recommendations. 
Why check when cold?

• Accuracy: When the engine is cold, all the oil has settled in the oil pan, giving you the true level. 
• Safety: It's safer to check a cold engine to avoid the risk of severe burns from hot engine parts. 
• Hot vs. cold readings: If you check when hot, the oil is expanded, and some may still be in the engine's upper parts, which can make the reading appear higher than it actually is. 

How to check your oil level

1. Park your car on a level surface.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Wait for the engine to cool down (at least a few minutes, but ideally overnight for the most accurate reading).
4. Locate the oil dipstick (usually a bright-colored loop).
5. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel.
6. Reinsert: the dipstick fully.
7. Pull it out again and check the oil level against the "full" and "add" marks.
8. Check the oil's color and consistency.
9. Reinsert: the dipstick and close the hood. 

Do you check the oil with a car running or off?

You should always check your car's oil with the engine off and while the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Waiting 5-10 minutes after turning the engine off allows the oil to drain back into the oil pan, giving you an accurate reading. Checking with the engine running is unsafe and will provide an incorrect, low reading. 
Step-by-step guide to checking oil

1. Park on level ground: and turn the engine off. 
2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to settle. 
3. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. It often has a brightly colored handle. 
4. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a lint-free rag or shop towel. 
5. Reinsert the dipstick all the way back into its tube. 
6. Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level against the markings, which may be two holes, the letters "L" and "H," or a cross-hatched area. 
7. The oil level should be between the low and high marks for an accurate measurement. 

What's the most accurate way to check your oil?

The most accurate way to check your oil is to park on a level surface, turn off the engine, and wait at least 10 minutes for the oil to settle. Then, pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to read the level between the "min" and "max" marks. 
This video demonstrates how to accurately check your engine's oil level: 1mStan CravensYouTube · Oct 11, 2022
Step 1: Prepare the vehicle 

• Park your car on a level surface. 
• Turn the engine off and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan. 
• Open the hood and locate the dipstick, which usually has a brightly colored loop or handle. 

Step 2: Read the dipstick 

• Pull the dipstick out and wipe it completely clean with a lint-free cloth or rag. 
• Fully reinsert the dipstick into its tube. 
• Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level. 
• The oil level should be between the two marks (dots, notches, or lines) on the dipstick, which represent the minimum and maximum levels. 

You can watch this video to learn how to read the oil level on the dipstick: 58sBackyard ChevyYouTube · Jan 23, 2021
Step 3: Take action if needed

• If the oil level is low (below the "min" mark), add the correct type of oil gradually, rechecking with the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Overfilling can damage seals and cause leaks. 
• If the oil looks light, milky, or contains metal particles, it could indicate a more serious problem, like a coolant leak or internal engine damage. In this case, it's best to have the car inspected by a mechanic. 
• If the oil is just new and hard to see, use a flashlight or try to note the area where the oil "breaks" on the dipstick. 

How to check if oil level is correct?

Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth or towel, then reinsert the dipstick. Now, take the dipstick back out and check the oil. Most dipsticks feature a 'cross-hatch' pattern where the oil level should sit. You may also see 'hot' and 'cold' lines - your oil should never go above the 'hot' line.