Jones Junction offers tips on how to check the oil level in your car

Maryland-based Jones Junction offered tips about checking your vehicle's oil in a recent blog post.

Jones Junction recommends checking the oil once a month or every third fill-up of the gas tank.

Oil reduces friction in the vehicle's engine, keeping it running properly and lubricates parts to help ensure they don't wear out prematurely.

To check your vehicle's oil, Jones Junction recommends checking your vehicle's manual to determine where the oil dipstick is underneath the vehicle hood. Once that is determined, park the vehicle on level ground and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes. Pull the dipstick out of its holder, wipe it using a lint-free, clean cloth, then push the dipstick completely back into the holder. Pull the dipstick out again to check the oil level, look for the words Min and Max or an L and H, or even two pinholes, on the dipstick. In some cases, part of the dipstick may have crosshatches on it. The oil should be between the markers or pinholes if it is at a proper level. If lower than that, the vehicle needs oil.

To add oil, look for the screw-off cap on the engine; the cap should indicate what grade of oil is appropriate for the vehicle, or check the owner's manual. Add oil with a funnel, wait a few minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick again.