How to Check Oil Level in Your Car: 7 Easy Steps (and How to Read the Dipstick)
To check the oil level in your car, park on level ground, turn the engine off and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Pull out the dipstick (usually a yellow or orange loop), wipe it clean, push it all the way back in, then pull it out again. The oil should sit between the MIN and MAX marks (or the two dots or holes). If it is at or below MIN, add a little of the correct oil, wait a minute and check again. The gap between the two marks is usually about 1 quart (1 litre). Some newer cars have no dipstick and show the oil level on the dashboard instead.
Checking your oil is one of the easiest and most useful things you can do for your car. Low oil is a common cause of engine damage, and it often gives no warning until the oil pressure light comes on, by which point the engine may already be hurt.
This guide shows you how to check the oil level step by step, how to read the dipstick, what the oil color tells you, and how to add oil without overfilling.
How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car
A slope tilts the oil in the pan and gives a false reading. Put the car in Park (or in gear for a manual) and set the parking brake.
Wait 5 to 10 minutes so the oil drains back into the pan. Some manuals say to check cold before driving, so follow yours if it says so.
Open the hood and look for a brightly colored loop or handle, usually yellow or orange, often marked with an oil can symbol.
Pull the dipstick out fully and wipe the end with a clean, lint-free rag or paper towel.
Push it back in until it seats completely. A half-inserted dipstick gives a wrong reading.
Hold it level and look at where the oil film ends. It should be between the MIN and MAX marks. Check both sides and use the lower line.
If the level is at or below MIN, add about half a quart of the correct oil through the oil filler cap, wait a minute, and check again.
How to Read the Dipstick
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Between MIN and MAX | Level is fine | Nothing to do |
| At or just below MIN | About 1 quart low | Add half a quart, re-check, then add more if needed |
| No oil on the stick | Very low, risk of damage | Do not drive. Add oil and find out why it is low. |
| Above MAX | Overfilled | Have the extra drained. Too much oil can foam and cause leaks. |
| Amber or light brown | Fresh oil | Normal |
| Dark brown or black | Used oil | Normal for diesels. On gas cars, check if a change is due. |
| Milky or foamy | Possible coolant in the oil | Get it checked soon. This can mean a head gasket problem. |
| Gritty or metallic | Dirt or wear particles | Change the oil and have the engine inspected |
Our oil change guide has a dipstick color chart and the full DIY oil change steps.
Hot or Cold: When Should You Check?
Most car makers say to check the oil with the engine warm and then switched off for a few minutes, because that is when the reading is most consistent. Others say to check cold in the morning before starting. Both give useful results as long as you do it the same way each time and wait for the oil to drain back. More detail is in checking oil hot or cold.
Cars Without a Dipstick
Many newer BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and some other models use an electronic oil level sensor instead of a dipstick. You check the level through the dashboard or infotainment menu, usually with the engine warm, running or just switched off on level ground. Your owner’s manual explains the exact steps. BMW owners can follow our guide on how to check oil level on a BMW.
How to Add Oil Without Overfilling
- Use the oil grade listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap, for example 0W-20 or 5W-30.
- Open the filler cap on top of the engine, not the dipstick tube (unless your manual says so).
- Use a funnel and add about half a quart at a time.
- Wait a minute, re-check, and stop when the level is near the middle or just under MAX.
- Refit the cap firmly and wipe up any spills.
A red oil pressure warning light means stop safely and switch off the engine as soon as possible. Check the level before restarting. Driving with very low oil pressure can destroy an engine in minutes. Learn more in the effects of low oil level.
- Check the oil every few fill-ups or at least once a month, and before long trips.
- Keep a quart of the correct oil and a funnel in the trunk.
- Some engines use a little oil between changes. Using a lot (more than about a quart every 1,000 miles) is worth having checked.
- Look under the car where you park. Fresh brown drips mean an oil leak.
Park level, switch off and wait, then wipe, reinsert and read the dipstick. The level should be between MIN and MAX. Add oil in small amounts if it is low, never overfill, and get help if the oil looks milky or the oil light comes on.
How to Check Oil Level FAQs
Off. Switch the engine off and wait 5 to 10 minutes so the oil drains back into the pan, unless your car has an electronic oil level check that says otherwise.
On most cars the gap between the two marks is about 1 quart or 1 litre. Check your owner’s manual for your engine.
A small amount over MAX is usually not harmful, but a lot of extra oil can foam, reduce lubrication and cause leaks. Have the extra drained if it is well over MAX.
At least once a month and before long road trips. Older and high-mileage engines should be checked more often.
Fresh oil is amber. It darkens with use, which is normal. Milky or foamy oil can mean coolant contamination and should be checked.
Wait at least 5 minutes after switching off. Checking immediately can show a low reading because some oil is still in the engine.
- Level ground, engine off, wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pull, wipe, reinsert, pull and read.
- Keep the level between MIN and MAX.
- Add half a quart at a time and re-check.
- Milky oil or a red oil light needs attention right away.