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Do you check engine oil with the car on or off?
This may sound like a silly question, but do you check engine oil with the car on or off?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
When it comes to car maintenance, no question is silly. We’re all learning! You should check engine oil with the car off. When the engine is on, it’s pushing oil through the system, so you wouldn’t get an accurate reading.
Here’s a basic overview of how to check your oil:
- Park in a level place.
- Check your owner’s manual for engine temperature recommendations. Most experts recommend checking your oil when the engine is cold. However, some manufacturers recommend that the engine be warm—but not actually on.
- After opening the hood, find the dipstick and take a measurement. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag.
- Replace the dipstick and take another measurement. If you can see the oil has reached the full line, then you have enough oil.
- If the oil is below the minimum mark, add oil.
Whether you want to know if you should check engine oil with the car on or off or have another car-related question, turn to
Jerry
. They can help with car maintenance queries and can also help you find affordable insurance.Jerry partners with over 50 different insurance companies, so you can rest assured you’ll have access to the best rates. You’ll get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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