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How to Check the Oil Level in Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

Oil Replacement

Regular oil changes are essential, but even if you’re securing every Mercedes-Benz Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement* right on schedule, you should still know how to check your car’s oil level at home in Beachwood or Mayfield. After all, learning how to check the oil level in a car or SUV is the best way to catch leaks and contamination that will accelerate wear on your engine and put you at risk for overheating.

How to Check Your Car’s Oil on the Dashboard

Today, there are two ways to check the oil level in your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. In most of our new vehicles, an electronic oil monitor comes standard, and you can use the system to read your oil level without ever getting out from behind the wheel. It’s a simple, three-step process:

  1. Turn off the engine and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the oil to settle in its chamber. If you don’t wait, you won’t get an accurate reading.
  2. If you have a classic key-based ignition, insert the key and turn it to position two. If you drive a model with push-button start, press the start button once without holding down the brake pedal. In either case, your electronics should come on, but your engine should remain off.
  3. Using your steering wheel-mounted controls, flip through the menu options until “Engine Oil Level — Measuring Now” appears beneath the gauges on your dashboard. The results will appear in just a moment.

Checking your Mercedes-Benz vehicle’s oil level is truly that easy! Here’s how to interpret the results:

  • In most cases, “Engine Oil Level – OK” will appear, and you’ll be able to go about your business without any further delay.
  • If you do need to add more oil, you’ll see “Engine Oil Level” listed with the amount that you need to add.
  • If the system was not able to get a stable reading, you’ll see “Measuring Not Possible.” Just try again in a few minutes.

When all else fails, we’d be happy to read your oil level or let you know if you’re in need of service. What’s more, it’s easy to schedule service online.

How to Check Car Oil with Your Dipstick

Most new Mercedes-Benz vehicles do not come with a dipstick. However, older models may still possess one! Learning how to check the oil level in these models is almost as easy as using the electronic oil monitor described above. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Park on level ground, turn the car off, and let the engine cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Pop your vehicle’s hood and locate the dipstick beneath it. The handle will usually be brightly-colored, and near the engine.
  3. Draw the dipstick out and wipe it clean using a rag.
  4. Now is a good time to check the color, the smell, and the consistency of your motor oil. If it’s no longer light brown, smells burnt, or has small particles suspended within it, you’ll want to schedule a change as soon as possible.
  5. Reinsert the dipstick, and draw it out once more. Now you’ll be able to get an accurate read on the level. If it falls within the crosshatched area, or between the lines marked “min” and “max,” you’re good to go.

If your vehicle is lacking in oil, your engine’s components are at risk! It’s also worth noting that if you’re losing lots of oil in between changes, you should have your model checked for leaks.

 

How to Add More Oil to Your Mercedes-Benz

As long as you’ve picked up an approved Mercedes-Benz motor oil from our Bedford parts department, you’ll just need a funnel to add more. Simply wait for your engine to cool, locate the oil cap, and after removing it, use your funnel to add more oil slowly. Too much oil isn’t a good thing either, so be careful, and don’t be afraid to check the level as you go. If it’s been a while since your last oil change, it may be a good idea to flush all of your oil out, start fresh, and replace the oil filter. This is one maintenance item that every driver should know how to handle. If you’re eager to move on after learning how to check your car’s oil and fix your level, check out our other DIY car care tips today.

 

Do You Check Your Oil with the Car On or Off?

You know that you can check your car’s oil with its built-in electric oil monitor or its dipstick, but do you check your oil with the car on or off? No matter which technique you’re using, you should always have your engine turned off when you’re checking the oil. Here’s why:

  • When the vehicle is on, motor oil is sucked out of its reservoir and pulled into the engine.
  • If you don’t give that oil time to settle back into the reservoir, you won’t be able to get an accurate read on your oil levels!
  • Do you check your oil when the car is running if you’re using an electronic oil monitor? Here, the answer is still no! Although it might seem counterintuitive, you want to turn on your electronics but keep your engine turned off whenever you’re checking the oil in this way.

Trust Mercedes-Benz of Bedford for All of Your Service Needs

Whether you’re picking up fresh synthetic motor oil or you’re ready to schedule an oil change, you’ll want to take the next steps with Mercedes-Benz of Bedford! Our parts and service centers are located in Bedford, easy to reach from anywhere in the Cleveland area. Just make sure to explore our parts and service specials before you stop in.

*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.
  • Save Time Today, Schedule Service Online

    Winter is officially here and that means the cold, snowy weather is, too! Take action today by getting your Mercedes-Benz ready to tackle the elements at its top form. That’s why at Mercedes-Benz of Bedford, we make it easy to schedule your service appointment online. You can manage your vehicle maintenance from any device at any location….

Mercedes-Benz of Bedford 41.403737, -81.552229.