How to Check Your Oil.
It only takes a minute or two to check your
oil -- and that minute can save you a lot
of aggravation, not to mention thousands of
dollars in repairs!
You will need A clean rag or a few paper towels
A can of oil and a funnel.
Step 1.
Park the car on a level surface, like a flat
driveway.
Step 2.
Turn the engine off.
Step 3.
Open the hood and locate the dipstick.
Its handle is usually yellow and shaped like
a crossbar.
If you can't find the dipstick, check your
owner's manual.
Step 4.
Pull the dipstick out and, using a rag or
paper towel, wipe off the stick.
Step 5.
Locate the two marks: "Add" and "Full."
Step 6.
Slide the dipstick back into its slot, pushing
it all the way down, before pulling it out
again.
Step 7.
See where the line of oil reaches on the stick.
If it falls at or below the "Add" line, then
you need to add oil.
Step 8.
Remove the oil fill cap--it's usually marked
with an icon that looks like Aladdin's magic
lamp -- and place the funnel into the opening.
Step 9.
Pour a quarter of the bottle into the funnel.
Add the oil slowly so it doesn't go above
the "Full" mark.
Use only the kind of oil recommended by your
manual.
Step 10.
Keep rechecking the oil until it's between
"Add" and "Full."
If your oil is consistently on the low side,
you may have a leak.
Have your car checked by a professional.
Step 11.
Remove the funnel and replace the oil cap.
Step 12.
Replace the dipstick, making sure it's all
the way in.
Close the hood -- and take her for a spin!
Did you know Although you should always check
your oil frequently, changing it every 3,000
miles is no longer necessary--Ford says their
2007 models can go as long as 7,500 miles!
