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Most vehicles require you to change your oil every 3,000 to 10,000 miles. Of course, this varies based on the vehicle you drive and the oil it uses. By keeping up with this regular maintenance, you can keep your car running well in the long run. If you want to check your oil level, follow these steps.
Read Through Your Owner’s Manual
Your owner’s manual contains a lot of valuable information about your Ford, including what kind of oil it takes, how often you should change it, and where to find the oil dipstick. Take a few minutes to review your owner’s manual to learn more about how often you should check your fluid levels.
Find the Right Materials
Checking your oil can be a bit messy. Make sure to grab a lint-free rag, like an old T-shirt, to wipe up any oil that drips. You will also use it to clean off your dipstick. Although it’s not necessary, you may want to put on a pair of gloves to avoid getting oil on your fingers.
Warm Your Engine
Get an accurate oil reading by checking it while it’s warm. You can do this by turning on your car for a few minutes or taking a ride around the block. Wait about 10 minutes for the engine to cool down before you pop the hood. Park your Ford on a level surface to ensure the oil is also level in the pan.
Open the Hood
To pop your hood, you usually need to pull a handle that’s on the driver’s side of your vehicle’s interior. Keep it securely propped open so you can get a good look inside.
Locate the Dipstick
A dipstick is a rod for measuring your oil level. Its tip is usually yellow or orange with a small circular handle. Pull it out, then take your rag and wipe off the oil, which helps you get a better reading. Once the dipstick is clean, insert it back in the tube.
Check the Level on the Dipstick
Remove the dipstick a second time and look at the end of it. Check for small holes or cross-hatchings that indicate normal levels. If your oil is in between the two markings, the level is normal. When your oil level is low, touch the dipstick to feel the texture of your oil. If it feels clean, you can top off your oil level using a funnel. If it’s gritty, you need to fully change your oil. The easiest way to do this is by taking it into a service shop.
Let Spikes Ford take care of the hassle of checking and changing your oil. Stop by our service department to have one of our skilled technicians do the job. We can also take care of any of your other regular services, such as rotating your tires or topping off your other fluids. By regularly bringing your vehicle in, you can keep it running like new.
Ready to schedule a service appointment? Give us a call at 956-585-1601 to pick a time that’s convenient for you.
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