How to Check the Oil in Your Vehicle near Buffalo, NY

Tending to your vehicle requires vigilance, so it’s important to know what your car’s oil levels are. Learn about how to check its reserves in this overview created by our team at Crazy Cheap Cars!

Preparing

Before you can check the oil in your car, truck, or SUV, it’s important to prepare in advance. While it’s tempting to simply open up the hood after your latest trip to the Tifft Nature Preserve, it is highly recommended that you wait a couple of hours. That’s because the oil will be extremely hot and can cause burns if you are not careful. Also, when you park your vehicle, stash it on a level surface instead of a hill or slope. Otherwise, the oil may pool to one side of the pan or the other, resulting in inaccurate readings. You won’t need many tools to check the oil, but it’s smart to have a clean rag on hand to help you see the fluid clearly.

Checking

Are you ready to see how much oil is in your car? The first step is to open the hood and locate the dipstick. This is a metal or plastic rod that is inserted into the oil pan near the engine, and it’s usually indicated by a brightly colored ring or knob. Pull this out and wipe off any excess oil on the towel that you gathered earlier. Next, insert the dipstick back into its place and take it out once again. This should give you an accurate gauge of the current amount left in the vehicle. Make sure that it is between the maximum and minimum fill lines indicated on the dipstick. If it’s too low, avoid taking your next adventure around Buffalo and contact us.

Next Steps

Now that you know what your oil looks like, consider its quality. If you noticed extremely dark coloration or particles floating in the fluid, then it’s likely time to get new oil, regardless of how much is in the vehicle. Driving down I-190 with poor-quality oil can damage the engine, so don’t delay your visit to our Service Department. Whether or not your vehicle is in need of an immediate oil change, you should take note of its current condition and quantity. That way, when you next check the oil, you will know how quickly your vehicle is going through its current batch. 

How Often Should You Change the Oil in Your Car?

  • It's important to get an oil change about ever 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but check your car's Owner's Manual to be sure.
Get an Oil Change Today!

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Jimmy was a good professional salesman

Robert Sherwood
6-21-2025
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7-3-2024
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Great experience

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7-2-2024
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Process was fast and everything was handled professionally. Austin and Ryan were good people.

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7-1-2024
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Good customer service, and especially from joangel who was attentive at all times with me and my wife

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6-25-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

These guys were great! Although we had went there on a Monday to meet with a employee who never showed up just left for the day without letting me know… but another employee “Kevin” took care of us and got us in the car we wanted! Thank you to Kevin and the guys at zoom/crazy cheap cars!

Great place to buy a car

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6-25-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great place to buy a car

Definitely recommend!

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6-24-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I love my Lexus! Joey, thank you so much for making this work for me. I have an awesome car and my payment IS NOT through the roof. Everyone at the dealership was so nice to me. I would recommend anyone needing a vehicle to go to Zoom and let them see what they can do for you.

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6-24-2022
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

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6-22-2022
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Good service

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1-26-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

If you need a vehicle this is the place you should come to without a doubt.

Highly recommend these guy's.

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8-17-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

These guy's truly went above and beyond to get my wife and myself in a new vehicle. After many failed attempts at other dealerships these guys managed to get us approved for the vehicle we wanted. The same vehicle we looked at elsewhere was over 600$ a month for a payment, they managed to get us around 200$ a month and still didn't stop there, they went even a step further and managed to help us with a new car insurance saving us hundreds every payment. Truly am grateful for Conan and Kevin and the whole Zoom family for all they have done for us. Highly recommend these guy's.

Great Service from beginning to End.

Travis Ross
8-17-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great Service from beginning to End. One Note: if you have any issue with any vehicle make sure to keep communication open. The Owner is a great person and will help where he can.

Very pleasant experience purchasing the new ride!

Monica Thomas
8-17-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Very pleasant experience purchasing the new ride! Ron was helpful without being pushy... much appreciated?

These people are great! I will buy my next vehicle from Zoom.

Car Guy
8-17-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I called to register for appointment after receiving mailer of huge sale and prize give away. I had no intention of even looking at a new vehicle, but getting a $20 Walmart gift card was worth the 35min ride. Of course I wasn't expecting to win 1 of the top 5 prizes since I read the mailer. I was treated respectfully and cheerfully even after i informed Donnie the event specialist i am just here for my gift card. After Donnie registered me I was shocked when my numbers matched the winning numbers for $250. The team there all congratulated me enthusiastically and I was offered a bowl of homemade soup by the manager. These people are great! I will buy my next vehicle from Zoom.

Amazing service by everyone from start to finish!

Tyler Hoag
8-17-2021
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Amazing service by everyone from start to finish!

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