Think about all the ways people travel, by train, by boat, and by car. Let me start off the story by saying that I am always right or at least 90% of the time. We took our car,  that needed to have a routine check up done mind you, for the trip.

Although most of the time nothing really happens when you miss one routine checkup, for our car, we needed desperately to have an oil change. Although my husband would disagree, I know how to check my oil to make sure that I am on point with my checkups.

I think he’s a tad jealous that I can check my own oil and he can’t! So this is for all you that do not know how to check your own oil.

Step 1) Find an old rag. Something that you don’t expect to ever use again. Something that can get dirty but you won’t need again, like an old t-shirt.

Step 2) If you have zero idea what you’re doing, take out that owner’s manual. That’s right, nothing to be ashamed of! This will let you know what to expect under the hood of your car.

Step 3) So, the oil is best to be checked while warm, so maybe take your car for a spin around the neighborhood or go grab some Chipotle.

Step 4) That doesn’t mean leave your car on! In fact, your vehicle should be off before checking the oil!

Step 5) When you open the hood of your vehicle, usually on the driver’s side you’ll find a handle. Pull handle and press lever under the center of your vehicle’s hood.

Step 6) Find the dipstick on the left side of the engine and remove it then clean it with the rag in step one. Slide the dipstick in again and remove it again.

Step 7) Look at the end of the dipstick, and find the line marked “full”. Oil will appear in color on the textured area that represents the capacity of the oil pan.

Might seem like a long list of checking your oil, but once you get the hang of it, these steps will seem like nothing! Make sure that you do follow instructions on your owner’s manual! Bring your vehicle to get checked by a certified mechanic to change your oil!

“How to Check Your Oil.” Driving-Tests.org. N.p., 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 July 2017.