Checking the Oil in Your Vehicle is a Simple Task & is Also an Important One

Checking Your Vehicle Oil is Easy with a Few Quick Steps

When the oil in your Alfa Romeo gets low or past its mileage range, your vehicle will start losing its ability to function at its peak. You may also start to notice an icon that looks like an oil can with a drop of oil coming out of it appearing on your dashboard. If this happens, you should immediately check your oil levels to see if you need an oil change immediately. If you are uncertain about how to check your oil, the process is very simple and only requires a paper towel or lint-free cloth. If you need an oil change done, the Service Center technicians at Mike Ward Alfa Romeo of South Denver in Highlands Ranch, CO, are here to make sure the oil being used to meant for your Alfa Romeo for peak performance and engine longevity. 

How to Check Your Oil

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Completely Off –

You may be tempted to pop the hood of your Alfa Romeo while the vehicle is still on just to do a quick check of the oil levels. However, this poses plenty of risks and is not advised. Always remember to take a moment to ensure that you have turned off the engine to your vehicle before you go to pop open the hood. 

Pop the Hood, Locate the Oil Dipstick & Pull it Out –

Once everything has been shut off, you can safely lift the hood of your Alfa Romeo and locate the dipstick (if equipped) that is inserted in its special chamber. You are looking for a circular handle that is yellowish, as this is for the oil. Once you have located the dipstick, you can then pull it from its tubing.

Wipe Off the Metal & Reinsert the Stick into the Chamber –

When you pull out the dipstick for the first time, you will see residual oil on the metal part of the stick. This is not an accurate reading of your current oil levels or oil health. With the paper towel or lint-free cloth that you have prepared, completely wipe off any oil on the metal and then reinsert the dipstick back into its sheath. You’ll let this stay for only a couple of seconds before pulling it back out again.

Pull the Stick Once More & Check the Notches That Signify Oil Levels –

After a couple of seconds have passed, remove the dipstick again and look at the metallic part again. A dipstick has special notches or other markings signifying the current levels of oil in your vehicle, with one being placed slightly closer to the handle and one being closer to the other tip. If your oil line falls in between the two lines, your oil level is acceptable. However, if you notice that the oil line is reaching or has even fallen below the lower marking, you need to have the problem addressed by one of our technicians as soon as possible to get the oil refilled and checked for any potential other issues.   If you have checked your oil in response to a dashboard warning light, schedule an appointment at our service center even if oil levels are adequate.

(Photo Credit: iStock)