How to Check Your Engine Oil

 

Engine oil plays many roles in keeping your engine cooled and lubricated. As a result, some engine oil consumption while driving is normal and it will be necessary at times to check and adjust the oil level. Maintaining the correct oil level is necessary to help keep your Hyundai operating properly. Hyundai recommends that you check your engine oil level regularly, but at a minimum of every 3,000 miles or every six months, whichever occurs sooner. And when needed, you can add oil to the engine. It’s a simple process and one you can easily perform yourself. All you’ll need to check it are some paper towels or a clean shop towel. First, the vehicle engine must be at its normal operating temperature. If necessary, start the engine and allow it to idle to bring it up to the correct temperature. Next, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.

Once the engine is warmed up, turn it off and wait 6 to 10 minutes. This is to allow all of the oil that was circulating in the engine to drain to the oil pan, ensuring you an accurate measure of the oil level. Open the hood of your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will show instructions on opening the hood. Locate the engine oil dipstick handle. Your owner’s manual can show the location of the dipstick. Be certain to avoid touching other areas of the engine compartment, as they may be hot. Remove the dipstick from the tube while wiping the oil from it with the towel. Check the oil on the towel. The color may vary depending on the oil that your vehicle uses, but if it leaves a darker smudge or feels gritty or smells burned, please contact your authorized Hyundai dealer to have your vehicle serviced. Next, locate and pay attention to the fill range at the bottom of the dipstick.

Then reinsert the dipstick fully into the tube. Wait for approximately two to three seconds, then remove it again. This time do not wipe the oil from the dipstick. Now, look at the oil level on the fill range area. If the oil is below full, then you will need to add engine oil. You can find the recommended engine oil type in the owner’s manual. You will also need an oil funnel to help pour the oil in cleanly, as well as a shop towel or paper towels in case of accidental spills. Open the engine oil cap. Your owner’s manual can show the location of the oil cap. Add one quarter quart of oil, then check the dipstick again. If the level is back to the full line, then you’re finished. If not, continue adding in one quarter quart increments. Checking after each edition until you reach the full line. Once complete, be sure to close the engine oil cap tightly and replace the dipstick completely.

Be sure to clean off any oil that may have spilled. Checking your oil level is an easy way to help keep your vehicle in top operating condition, but don’t forget to have your vehicle serviced and maintained regularly at your authorized Hyundai dealership. You’ll find information on when your next maintenance is due in your monthly vehicle health report or your Hyundai service reminder emails. When properly set up and adjusted, your in-vehicle service interval maintenance reminder can also let you know when your next maintenance is due. See your owner’s manual or the HyundaiUSA YouTube channel for more information on how to set the service interval Reminder and if you have an account myhyundai.com, you’ll be automatically notified when it’s time for your vehicle maintenance.

Your maintenance schedule can also be found online at myhyundai.com and Hyundai’s maintenance schedule index or you can refer to your printed owner’s manual. And when it’s time to schedule your service, you can do so through your monthly vehicle health report or service reminder emails, your MyHyundai account, by calling your dealership. For more helpful information on your Hyundai, be sure to explore the wow-to guides on the HyundaiUSA YouTube channel and myhyundai.com.