Your engine needs oil to run smoothly, and checking or adding oil is one of the most straightforward maintenance tasks you can do yourself. Whether your car is burning through oil between changes, you've noticed the warning light on your dashboard, or you simply want to stay on top of routine maintenance, this section covers what you need to know about keeping your oil level where it should be.

You'll find information about how to locate your oil dipstick or electronic gauge, what the readings mean, how much oil to add and what type to use, and when to be concerned about oil loss. These guides also explain the difference between a low oil level and an oil change, so you understand what your car is actually telling you.