One of the most important things you can do for your vehicle is check your oil at least once a month. Why, you ask? Well! Because your oil does a lot of work under your hood and checking it can help you make sure that your vehicle is running correctly. If you see something wrong in your oil, it’s pretty much a sure bet that you should be taking your vehicle to the shop pretty soon after. Don’t know how to check it? Check THIS!

• Open the hood. Prop it so it stays open.

• Locate the oil dipstick next to the engine. It should have a yellow handle and/or be labeled.

• Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean cloth or paper towel.

• Dip the stick all the way back in.

• Pull it out again and look at the oil level. If it’s in the middle of the hatched/indicated area, you’re good. More is better, less is okay, but if you’re lower than the area you need to get your oil topped up and have your system checked for leaks.

• Look at the oil quality and color. If there are a lot of particles or if the oil looks sludgy, you need to get it changed as soon as possible.

• Put the dipstick back in.

• Close your hood.

Remember to do this at least once a month and you’ll be golden between your oil changes.