1. Park your car on level ground to ensure you get an accurate reading. Turn off the engine and wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to cool down. Manufacturers used to recommend that you check your oil when the engine was cold, to give the oil a chance to settle in the oil pan.21 Sept 2018
What is the proper way to check oil?
- First make sure your engine is off (no matter which temperature you're after).
- Open your hood and find the dipstick.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the oil.
- Reinsert the dipstick into its tube.
- Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level, looking at both sides.
How do you know when your diesel needs an oil change?
- Normal conditions: 7,500 - 10,000 miles (1 year)
- Moderate towing, idling: 5,000 - 7,000 miles (6 months)
- Heavy towing, extensive idling: 3,000 - 5,000 miles (3 months)