How to Check Your Oil
Without oil, your car’s engine will burn up in a matter of seconds. Oil lubricates your engine and fights against friction and heat which will eventually destroy your engine. Friction and heat degrade oil over time which is the reason the engine oil and filter need to be replaced regularly.
The least expensive way to prolong the life of your vehicle is to change your engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles, or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Inspect your oil at least once a month. Have an oil change sticker placed on the inside of your windshield to remind you of your next oil change.
1. Pull the hood release latch on the drivers side of the car interior. It is usually down under the far left side of the dash board, half way towards the floor. If you are having trouble locating yours, see your vehicle's manual.
2. Move to the front of the car and find the latch that is just under the front of the hood. It can be hard to feel it's location at first, but it will be either a latch that you push up or sideways. Again, refer to your manual if your fingers can't find it.
3. Once you've found the latch and have lifted the hood, hold it up with one arm and locate the hood prop rod with the other. This can be found either parallel to the front of the hood or to one side. Unclip the rod, lift it up and insert the top end into the corresponding holes on the underside of the hood. (like pictured)
