How to Check Car Oil

Checking oil level on dipstick

As most drivers know, your vehicle’s motor oil is the lifeblood of your Nissan vehicle, so you’ll want to make sure it has the correct amount to keep all of the engine’s internal moving parts protected. Learn more about how to check the oil level in a car, and don’t hesitate to contact our service department if you have any questions.

Learn How to Check the Oil Level in Your Car

Since some newer Nissan vehicles have electronic oil monitors instead of a traditional dipstick, you’ll want to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for recommendations. Follow these steps to check the oil manually at home near Omaha:

  1. Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and that the engine is turned off and cold.
  2. Open the vehicle’s hood and find the dipstick.
  3. Pull the dipstick out of the engine and wipe any oil from the end of it.
  4. Re-insert the dipstick back into its tube, then pull it out and look at both sides to see where the level is.

Dipsticks will have a way to indicate the proper oil level. If you notice that the oil is between the two marks or within the crosshatched area, the oil levels are good. If not, you’ll want to add more oil. 

When adding the oil, make sure that you’re using the grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual. Then, remove the oil filler cap and add oil a little at a time until you’ve reached the proper level.

Why Check Your Car’s Oil Level?

Checking the oil is often a service that gets overlooked, but it’s essential to have the right oil level to keep your vehicle performing at its best. It’s recommended that you have the oil changed at least twice a year, depending on the model and how it’s driven. The oil should be checked at least once a month to make sure there are no leaks and your vehicle has enough oil for your Beatrice travels. If you notice that your vehicle’s hood is too hot to touch or you see steam billowing out from under the hood, schedule a service appointment as soon as possible. The engine is overheating because of an oil leak.

How to Reset Oil Change Light

Each vehicle has its process for resetting the oil change light, but the general process remains the same. However, it’s best to only reset the oil life if you’ve changed your oil and the light is still on. Below are the steps to reset the oil change light:

  • Turn all systems of your car off, but leave the engine running.
  • Find the “reset” button or stick on the dashboard (typically found near the speedometer and fuel gauge).
  • Hold the button down until the oil change light begins to flash (sign of resetting may differ per vehicle).
  • Turn the ignition off, wait a few seconds, then turn your car back on.

The oil light should be reset, but don’t hesitate to contact our service team if you have any questions.

Get More Service Tips at Sid Dillon Nissan!

Whether you’re interested in learning how to check your car oil, how to jump-start a car, or for tire care tips, we have you covered at the Sid Dillon Nissan service center! We offer competitive prices and an excellent selection of service specials to take advantage of. Contact our service team with any questions or to schedule your next routine service appointment.



Nissan Service Coupons

Computerized Wheel Alignment*

$79.95

Receive a complimentary multi-point inspection.

*Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

EXPIRES: 10/27/2023

Genuine Nissan Battery Replacement & Installation*

$5.00 OFF

24-month complimentary replacement.
84-month limited warranty. Complimentary multi-point inspection.

*Genuine Nissan Battery only. See warranty information booklet for battery limited warranty details. Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

EXPIRES: 10/27/2023

Nissan Recommended Services*

$5.00

Preventive scheduled maintenance is an important investment to help optimize the performance, safety features and resale value of your Nissan.

*Offer only applies to Manufacturer's Recommended Scheduled Maintenance services. See Owner's Manual for maintenance schedule details. Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

EXPIRES: 10/27/2023

Tire Rotation and Balance*

$39.95

Rotate and balance 4 tires. Check and adjust tire pressure. Complimentary multi-point inspection.

*Certain restrictions apply. See dealer for details. Price and offer availability may vary by model. Taxes and fees additional. No cash value. Must present offer to redeem. May not be combined with other offers. Nissan vehicles only. Void where prohibited.

EXPIRES: 10/27/2023

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