How Does One Read Their Oil Dipstick?

Why Is a Motor Oil Change So Important?
Engine oil is a critical component of your car. Oil is the driving force of your vehicle. It lubricates components of the engine to keep them from grinding and keep it cooled. The engine oil aids the engine in numerous ways. It helps shield the engine by keeping it clean from debris, which defends the engine's operation. Oil lowers wear and friction, which can also improve the fuel economy of your car. Lastly, it lowers the heat within the engine and pushes it to other parts of the engine.

How to Check Oil Level Using a Dipstick?
Regularly checking the oil level can help keep the driver maintain proper oil levels and help safekeep oil health. To start testing, it is best to check the oil when the engine is cooled to avoid touching hot engine parts. Many dipsticks have guidelines to show if the oil levels are too low and should be topped off. Also when using the dipstick, you can inspect the oil texture. If the oil is smooth and a lighter color, it shouldn't be changed. But, if the oil appears sludgy and dark, then it should be replaced.

Detecting an Oil Leak
If your dipstick constantly shows low engine oil levels then you may have a leak. There are multiple ways to test for oil leakage, which is essential because a leak could bring damage to your vehicle's engine. If there are dark puddles under your car, it is possibly a result of its oil pan slowly leaking oil. The scent of burning oil or smoke from the engine may also be an essential sign of an engine oil leak. Also, the engine overheating could possibly be a product of an oil leak.

How Many Months Until Oil Change?
Learning when to change your vehicle's engine oil is also critical to negate damage to the engine in your vehicle. While some may suggest a short engine oil change interval from 3,000-5,000 miles, it is recommended to have your oil changed every six months or 5,000-7,000 miles, whichever one happens first. However, if you're unsure about when you should have an oil change you should contact our service department for more accurate info about your vehicle.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change at Finnegan Chevy Buick GMC
Are you looking for the right place for your next Sugar Land Chevrolet Buick GMC oil change? We invite you to schedule an appointment at Finnegan Chevy Buick GMC. Call now or schedule online. Our factory-trained Chevrolet Buick GMC technicians are standing by and ready to serve you. We service all brands and vehicles.
fast efficient friendly and informative
fast efficient friendly and informative

I have many choices in SW Houston for...
I have many choices in SW Houston for service. I choose Finnegan every time!


Friendly and expedient service. I was...
Friendly and expedient service. I was well informed of the status of my vehicle maintainence.

excellent work done on my truck....
excellent work done on my truck....

The team was very professional and friendly
The team was very professional and friendly

It was a good experience. Timely and...
It was a good experience. Timely and customer service was great.

Bubba was the best… He was extremely...
Bubba was the best… He was extremely patient and worked his heart out to get me the numbers I wanted. I would definitely return to Finnegan’s to purch...

Gotta tour of the dealership super nice...
Gotta tour of the dealership super nice people and overall went above and beyond

The newness of showing the care they...
The newness of showing the care they were taking with your car, by recording.
