The general rule is that, every 3000 miles, you should change the oil in your car, although this may vary slightly depending on the car manufacturer.
To do this, first, grab a clean paper towel or rag and find the dipstick in the engine compartment. This is usually located near the engine block (that large mass of metal in the center of the engine) and often will have a yellow or black colored ring at the top of the stick.
Withdraw it and strip it clean with the paper towel, then reinsert the dipstick fully and then redraw it again to read the oil level. At the end of the dipstick you will find to raised dots. The oil level should fall somewhere between these dots.
If the engine is cold it will be on the low side, high if the engine is warm. If the level is too low, you will need to add oil. Before you do, determine which oil is needed.On top of the engine block you will find the oil cap. Usually black, the oil cap will have some text written on top starting with “SAE” and next to that you will find the oil type. For example, the cap might read, “SAE 10W-40.” This tells you the weight of the oil and it is this number that you should seek on the container of oil you purchase.
When pouring the oil, just unscrew the oil cap and use a funnel to pour it in. Remember that using just half a quart of oil will be enough to raise the oil level from the lowest to highest dot so don’t pour too quickly.
