How to Check the Oil in Your Honda in Goleta, CA

Whether you drive a Honda Accord, Civic Sedan, or CR-V, the oil in its engine is extremely important. Learn how to check your car's reservoir in the following overview prepared by Santa Barbara Honda.

Preparation

The setup for checking your vehicle’s oil is vital, as it can be dangerous to do so immediately after a trip to South Coast Railroad Museum. Since the oil in the pan gets extremely hot while the engine is running, it can cause severe burns if you open the cap right after a long outing in Goleta. It's wise to wait a couple of hours before checking the oil. Also, be sure that your vehicle is on a level plane before you check its reservoir. Uneven surfaces can lead to improper readings, so it's best to park your car in the garage or a similar area. Before you begin, collect a paper towel or rag to wipe off any excess oil. This will allow your hands to stay clean while also letting you examine the quality of the fluid.

Check the Oil

That's you have completed the aforementioned steps, open up your hood and locate the dipstick near the engine. This is a metal band that's inserted into the oil pan, and it's usually indicated by a yellow or orange tab or ring. After taking it out, examine the quality of the oil by wiping off any excess fluid onto the towel you prepared. It should look clear and have a light amber color, so if it is dark, grainy, or viscous, it may be time for a new batch. Next, put the dipstick back into the oil pan and remove it once again. Looking at the recommended line on the metal band will let you see how much is left and if it’s time to get fresh oil at our nearby location.

What’s Next?

Did you discover that your oil reserves are low or that the fluid is too viscous to be usable? You'll want to set up a service appointment with our team as soon as you can. We can not only check the oil levels for you, but we are also able to put a new batch in and replace the oil filter. This can have a world of benefits during your trips down Highway 101, such as increased fuel efficiency and boosted performance abilities. If your oil was looking good when you checked it, take note of how much was remaining. That way, you’ll have a good idea of how much oil your car uses when you next check your supply.