How to Check the Oil in Your Vehicle
Knowing how to check the condition and quantity of the oil in your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Wagoneer vehicle is an important skill. Members of our Service Department at Waschke Family CDJR have created this guide to show you how to examine that vital fluid. That way, you’ll know when it’s time to change it out for a new batch.
Getting Prepared
The best practices for checking the oil in your car begin with giving it time to sit in the proper area. After it’s been running, you’ll want to locate a place that is flat to park on. That way, your oil doesn’t pool in the reservoir and provide an inaccurate reading. It’s also necessary to let the vehicle sit and cool down for between 15 and 20 minutes. That way, the oil has a chance to settle, and the engine can cool down before you get under the hood. During that interval, you should check your Owner's Manual to determine the correct oil change interval You should also grab a shop towel to clean your car’s dipstick while you’re waiting for it to be ready. With that item in hand and your Jeep Compass, Ram 1500, or Chrysler Pacifica parked in the correct location, you can move on.
How to Check the Oil Level and Condition
To start checking the oil level in your vehicle, locate the dipstick handle in the engine bay and retrieve it from its housing. It will be coated in oil, but you don’t want to use that measurement. Instead, clean off the metal with your shop towel. When it’s no longer coated in fluid, take a moment to find the marking that indicates the minimum and maximum levels of oil in your engine. Next, reinsert the dipstick and remove it again. This time, carefully examine the level that the oil reaches on the metal to determine if you need more, have enough, or possess too much oil in the engine. As you do so, inspect the fluid for the presence of pollutants, like metal shavings, as well as a very dark color and a burnt smell. If you spot any of those negative signs or have an inappropriate amount of oil, then you should schedule an appointment with us to fix those issues.
Final Steps
If your oil is low or dirty, you need to make a plan to get an oil change. Our trained experts can easily perform this task and other routine maintenance using MOPAR® parts. Otherwise, you can purchase the oil and filter from our Parts Department to do an oil change on your own if you have the time, know-how, and space. Whether you checked the oil and found nothing wrong or found it in poor shape, you should record your findings so that you have a reference for the future. As your vehicle ages and accumulates more mileage, you will discover that its oil needs change, requiring more frequent services or a different formulation to operate at peak efficiency. If you’d like, our team of technicians can work with you to create an individualized care schedule for your model!
Summary of How to Check the Oil
- Allow the car to cool and rest on a flat surface
- Remove the dipstick and clean it with a rag or paper towel
- Reinsert and remove the dipstick to check the oil level and condition
- Schedule an oil change if the oil is dirty or more is required
- Record the mileage and condition of the oil at your checking intervals
- Create a care plan with our service team
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Very Professional
Service was Excellent
“ Service was excellent and personal able to us as we considered buying a new vehicle. The purchasing process was easy and quick. Each person we dealt with was wonderful. ”
Great Service!!
“ I recently worked with the service team at Waschke to diagnose and repair a major powertrain issue on my vehicle. My service advisor, Eric went above and beyond to help with my vehicle’s warranty claim. He took the time to communicate with the warranty company, sifted through 5 years worth of service records on my vehicle, and advocated on my behalf until the repair was ultimately covered. Eric's professionalism, persistence, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for his efforts. This was my first visit to Waschke after transferring service from another dealership, and to receive this kind of service as a first time customer, I can confidently say that I will be taking my vehicle to Waschke for all service going forward. ”
Service was Excellent!
“ Service was excellent and personal able to us as we considered buying a new vehicle. The purchasing process was easy and quick. Each person we dealt with was wonderful. ”
Thanks Again!
“ Willy Martin went above and beyond to ensure my experience, from beginning to end, was a positive one. Thanks again Willy! ”
Very Professional
“ Waschke was personable and very professional on my recent service experience. I’ll be back next time. ”
Thank You so much!
“ Yesterday we purchased a new truck from Waschke Family CDJR and I have to say we were treated SO very well here throughout the entire process. We had the dream team of Casey, Tyler & Jenn work every angle to get us the best deal possible! Even on the final day when we went to sign papers they found another extra rebate to save us even more $$. Kindest most down to earth group of people to work with! Thank you so much! ”
Good Job!
“ They did a good job ,and done on time. ”
I'll be back Again!
“ Waschke was personable and very professional on my recent service experience. I’ll be back next time ”
Thank You so much!
“ Yesterday we purchased a new truck from Waschke Family CDJR and I have to say we were treated SO very well here throughout the entire process. We had the dream team of Casey, Tyler & Jenn work every angle to get us the best deal possible! Even on the final day when we went to sign papers they found another extra rebate to save us even more $$. Kindest most down to earth group of people to work with! Thank you so much! ”
Great Job!
“ They did a good job ,and done on time. ”
Helpful and knowledgeable!
“ Amanda in parts department was so helpful, and knowledgeable. I needed a battery for fob and she was on it. Thank you Amanda ”
Would not go anywhere else!
“ Tina in service has always been wonderful to work with and she has always taken great care of my wife’s car, as well as both of my children’s cars. Would not go anywhere else! ”
Very Helpful
“ Casey was exceptionally helpful. ”
“ I recently worked with the service team at Waschke to diagnose and repair a major powertrain issue on my vehicle. My service advisor, Eric went above and beyond to help with my vehicle’s warranty claim. He took the time to communicate with the warranty company, sifted through 5 years worth of service records on my vehicle, and advocated on my behalf until the repair was ultimately covered. Eric's professionalism, persistence, and genuine care made a stressful situation much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for his efforts. This was my first visit to Waschke after transferring service from another dealership, and to receive this kind of service as a first time customer, I can confidently say that I will be taking my vehicle to Waschke for all service going forward. ”