Changing the Oil in Your Car Filling up your car's fuel tank isn't enough to keep it running. Keeping the oil fresh and plentiful is critical for your engine's performance. If you don't keep an eye on your car's oil supply, you could run into expensive engine problems.

Check your oil
Check your oil level a few times every month. Your car should be turned off and the engine should be cool before you check the oil. Then, take out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Put the dipstick back into the oil fill hole. If you are not sure where the dipstick goes, look in the owner's manual. After you remove it again, look at the oil level. The oil should be between the low and high mark.

If the oil is below the low mark, add more. Some cars have the word "oil" marked on the cap where you add the oil. After you've poured in the oil, recheck the level.

Changing the oil
Your owner's manual should tell you when to change the oil in your car. Some people say you should change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles. Others say you can go longer than that. You might be able to drive your car for 5,000 or 7,000 miles before changing it. When your car is ready for an oil change, bring it to a car dealership or gas station. You can change the oil yourself, but you need to know how to drain the oil and insert a new filter. If you change your own oil, you need to dispose of the used oil safely.

2
Click on the best summary of the passage.
A.
It's important to keep enough oil in your car. Check your oil a few times every month. Look at the level of oil after you've inserted a dipstick. If the oil is low, add more.
Look at the owner's manual to see how often you need to change the oil. You can change the oil yourself or have it done at a gas station.
B.
It's important to change the oil in your car. Check the owner's manual to see how often you need to change it.
Different cars have different requirements for oil changes. Some people change oil every 3,000 miles. Others change it every 5,000 or 7,000 miles. When your car is ready for an oil change, bring it to a gas station.
C.
Keeping fresh oil in your car is very important. If you don't keep enough oil in your car, it might need repairing. You should check your oil level a few times every month.
Checking your oil takes only a few minutes. Turn off your car. Insert a clean dipstick and pull it out to see the levels.