How-to · Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center · Elgin, IL
How to Check Your Engine Oil
Checking the oil takes a couple of minutes and keeps the engine at the right level between oil changes. This guide uses two 2026 owner's manuals, the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual, as examples; check your own vehicle's manual, because the dipstick, the oil grade and the warning lights differ by make, model and engine.
Every fuel stopis the check interval both manuals give
5 minafter a fully warmed-up engine is shut off
1 qtraises the level from the low to the high end of the range
Level groundfor the most accurate reading
The short answer
Park on level ground, shut off the fully warmed-up engine and wait about five minutes. Pull the dipstick, wipe it, push it back in all the way, pull it again and read the level against the crosshatched zone. Keep the level within the crosshatch; if it is at the low end, about 1 quart of the oil your manual specifies brings it to the high end. Do not overfill. If the oil pressure warning light comes on while driving, stop and shut off the engine as soon as possible.
When to check your engine oil
Both manuals say the engine oil must be kept at the correct level for proper lubrication, and to check it at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time is about five minutes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off, and checking on level ground improves the accuracy of the reading.
A new engine may use some oil during its first few thousand miles; both manuals call that a normal part of break-in and say to check the level often during that period and add oil as required.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level; Engine Oil), read October 27, 2026.
How to check engine oil, step by step
For a car or truck with a traditional dipstick:
- Park on level ground and turn off the warmed-up engine. Wait about five minutes.
- Open the hood and find the engine oil dipstick. Your manual's engine compartment picture shows where it is.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, push it back in all the way, and pull it out again.
- Read where the oil reaches on the crosshatched zone at the tip. The manuals list four possible dipstick types: a crosshatched zone; a crosshatched zone marked SAFE; a crosshatched zone with MIN at the low end and MAX at the high end; or a crosshatched zone with dimples at the MIN and MAX ends.
- If the oil is within the crosshatch markings, the level is fine. Push the dipstick back in all the way.
Dipstick types and the level rule are from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level), read October 27, 2026. Wiping and re-dipping is our step to get a clean reading.
How much oil to add, and what not to do
How much
Adding 1 qt (1.0 L) of oil when the reading is at the low end of the dipstick range raises the level to the high end of the range marking. Add a little at a time and recheck.
Which oil
Use the grade and specification in your owner's manual. The Ram manual says not to use any oils that are not manufacturer specified and API approved.
Do not overfill
The Ram manual cautions that overfilling or underfilling the crankcase will cause oil aeration or loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
Spills and the cap
Wipe up oil spilled on top of the engine with an absorbent cloth or remove it with compressed air. The Ram manual adds: reinstall the oil fill cap securely, and never run the engine without it, as that could cause an oil leak.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level; Engine Oil), read October 27, 2026. Both manuals also say never to use non-detergent oil or straight mineral oil.
Some engines have no dipstick
Some newer engines check the oil level electronically. The Ram manual says its 3.0L engine does not have a traditional dipstick and there is no need to check the level by hand: the level appears on the instrument cluster under the "Vehicle Info" menu, on the "Oil Level" screen. As long as the bar is between the minimum and the maximum, it is safe to drive; a red bar means the level is too high or too low.
That system takes readings only with the engine off, the oil warm and the vehicle on reasonably level ground, so it cannot immediately detect a sudden drop while driving. If it shows "Critically Low," the manual says to add two quarts of the specified oil as soon as possible; for "Critically High," contact an authorized dealer. If you added a quart and the reading is not 3/4 or full, it says to contact an authorized dealer for service.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level, 3.0L Engines; Oil Level Display), read October 27, 2026. Check your own manual to see whether your engine has a dipstick.
Oil pressure light vs. oil level
The oil pressure warning light means low engine oil pressure, not low oil level. Both manuals say a chime sounds with it. If it comes on while driving, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual says to stop the vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as possible and contact an authorized dealer.
The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says to safely stop and turn off the engine as soon as possible, then restart and watch the light. If it is still on, turn the engine off and contact an authorized dealer; if it goes out, the engine can be operated, but the manual recommends taking the vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible, and not operating the vehicle until the cause is corrected. The Ram manual adds that the light does not show how much oil is in the engine; the level must be checked under the hood.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Oil Pressure Warning Light), read October 27, 2026.
Oil service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
We service all makes and models. If your oil keeps getting low between changes, or the oil pressure light came on, schedule service online and add a note so your technician knows what you saw.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday. Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center is at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. Get directions.
Schedule service online, or see our service specials.
Checking engine oil FAQ
Should I check oil with the engine hot or cold?
The manuals say the best time is about five minutes after a fully warmed-up engine is shut off, on level ground.
How often should I check my engine oil?
At regular intervals, such as every fuel stop, according to both manuals used in this guide.
How do I read the dipstick?
Keep the oil level within the crosshatched zone. Some dipsticks also mark it SAFE, MIN and MAX, or with dimples at each end.
How much oil should I add if it is low?
About 1 quart raises the level from the low end of the dipstick range to the high end. Add the oil your manual specifies, a little at a time, and recheck.
Is it bad to overfill engine oil?
Yes. The Ram manual cautions that overfilling or underfilling the crankcase causes oil aeration or loss of oil pressure, which could damage the engine.
What does the oil pressure light mean?
Low engine oil pressure. If it comes on while driving, stop and shut off the engine as soon as possible and have the cause found before you keep driving.
My car has no dipstick. How do I check the oil?
Some engines show the oil level electronically in the instrument cluster instead. Your owner's manual explains where to find it.
Oil low or due for a change?
Schedule service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center on Chicago Street in Elgin. We service all makes and models.
Sources
Oil-check guidance is from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual and the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual, read on October 27, 2026; they are examples, and your vehicle's own manual may differ. Our services, address and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photo is of our dealership.
- 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level; Engine Oil; Oil Pressure Warning Light), Ram / Mopar
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual (Checking Oil Level; Engine Oil; Oil Pressure Warning Light), Jeep / Mopar
- Service and scheduling: service types, service hours, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center
- Home page: address, all makes and models service, Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center