How often should you be checking your oil?

Tips for checking the oil level in your used vehicle

Most drivers will tell you that especially in the case of used cars, there aren’t many components more important than oil for your vehicle’s longevity. Having the right amount of fluid inside your engine can go a long way to keeping you on the road longer, so today we’ll show you some tips for checking the oil level in your used vehicle. You can also use this to get a better of picture of when you should be switching out your oil for a new batch! 

How to check the oil in your used car

All used cars will have a different engine build depending on the make, model and year, but one aspect that remains uniform is that it’s pretty easy to check your oil level! Here’s how:

1. It’s a safe bet that your dipstick will be located somewhere near your engine block, identified by its yellow handle. Take it out to check where you’re at.
2. Grab a rag, paper towel or microfiber cloth and wipe all the excess oil off your dipstick. Place it back in its holster.
3. Wait about 10 seconds for oil to collect on your stick and pull it back out. See those grooves on the bottom? That’s a gauge that tells you how full your oil reserves are.

It goes without saying, but the lower your oil reading is, the more you should consider taking your vehicle in for service with us!

Recommended oil change intervals for a used car

Your general oil change interval will change depending on the year your vehicle was built in, but as a rule of thumb you should be shooting for an oil change between 4,000-6,000 miles. This way, you’ll still be getting plenty of life out of each batch, but you’ll also be getting the peace of mind that your engine has the newest and best lubricants on the market inside at all times.

Read More:  Summer maintenance checklist for your used car

Test drive a used vehicle in Grand Junction CO

If you’re looking for a used car that can do better than your current one in the efficiency and oil life department, come by today and check out our inventory at Carville’s Auto Mart! We’ll help you schedule a test drive of any car that interests you.