Knowing how to check the oil level in your car is essential, even if you’re keeping up with all of the items in your Mercedes-Benz maintenance schedule. Although regular Mercedes-Benz oil service can help to ensure that you always have high-quality synthetic motor oil running through your engine, driving with too little or too much oil can cause lasting damage to your powertrain. Drivers needing an oil change can shop Mercedes-Benz service specials in San Diego, CA at our Mercedes-Benz service center.
If you’re wondering how to check car oil quickly, you’re in luck! Many new Mercedes-Benz vehicles include an electronic oil monitor, and many also have a classic dipstick beneath the hood. We’ll cover both methods of checking our oil level below, so you can get back on the roads of San Diego with confidence.
How to Check Car Oil Electronically
The easiest way to check the oil level in your Mercedes-Benz is to check the electronic oil monitor on your dashboard. Here’s what you need to do:
- If you were just driving around San Diego, CA, turn the engine off and let things cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure you’re parked on level ground.
- Turn your key to position two, or enter accessory mode by pressing your start button without holding down the brake pedal. Your instrumentation should light up, but your engine should stay off.
- Cycle through your menu by using your steering wheel-mounted controls. With a few clicks, you should see “Engine Oil Level — Measuring Now” appear on screen.
- Wait a few moments. You’ll receive your results automatically!
So, what is your electronic oil monitor trying to tell you? A reading of “Engine Oil Level – OK” indicates that you have enough oil in your vehicle. If you need to add more, you’ll see “Engine Oil Level,” add a number, telling you how many quarts to add. We’ve described how to add fresh oil to your Mercedes-Benz below, but if you don’t feel comfortable, our service center is just a short drive away from Rancho Santa Fe or Poway.
How to Check Car Oil Manually
If you’d like to go the manual method, keep in mind that not all new Mercedes-Benz vehicles include dipsticks. If you look under the hood and you don’t see one, don’t panic. Just return to the steps above and check your car oil electronically. If you do have a dipstick, here’s exactly what you’ll need to do:
- Make sure that you’re parked on level ground, and give your engine plenty of time to cool. 15 to 20 minutes of wait time is appropriate.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick. Look for a brightly-colored handle just to the left or the right of the engine.
- Draw the dipstick out and wipe it clean using a rag. Then, reinsert the dipstick into the sheath.
- Draw the dipstick out once more, and read the level. Your dipstick should have “Min” and “Max” lines, or a cross-hatched area which serves the same purpose.
You might occasionally notice another issue when you’re getting your hands dirty under the hood. Car battery corrosion is one of the most common, and we can teach you how to clean it up today.
How to Add More Oil to Your Mercedes-Benz
There’s one important thing to note about adding new motor oil to your Mercedes-Benz. You should be certain that you’re using the same oil product that our team would use while performing your regular Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement*. If you’re not sure of which product to use, you can give us a call, check your owner’s manual, or contact our parts department. Ready to add more oil? Locate the oil cap near your dipstick. Use a funnel and work slowly, adding a half-quart at a time and checking your oil level as you go.
Shop Mercedes-Benz Lease & Finance Offers in San Diego, CA
Is your current vehicle giving you trouble? Visit Mercedes-Benz of San Diego for great lease specials on popular Mercedes-Benz cars & SAVs for sale:
Get More Mercedes-Benz of San Diego Car Tips
We’re happy to provide DIY car care tips to our neighbors in the Del Mar area. You now know how to check your car oil quickly and easily, but we’re here to help if you decide that you’d like an expert to take a look! Scheduling service online only takes a moment.
*Oil and filter change is the base advertised service component. Additional services as determined by your vehicle’s ASSYST Plus system, which calculates service needs based on your driving habits, time, mileage and environmental conditions, may increase service cost.
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