How do you check the motor oil level on a Toyota Corolla?

Answer 1

If it is new and you haven't had the hood up yet, a good place to start would be the owner's manual. Look under "Checking the oil level".

You can also take it to a Jiffy Lube or equivalent and have them check it. It's probably time to be changed, along with the filter anyway.

If you still feel adventurous, turn off the engine, then:

Look for a tube coming up from the bottom of the engine that has a loop in the end of it. The place you add the oil is usually a large black cap on the valve cover. It usually says OIL on it. DO NOT put oil in any other place, such as the brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield cleaner, radiator or automatic transmission. That could cause serious damage to the engine or operation of the car. If in doubt, let somebody help you.

Pull up on the loop and a metal stick will come out of the tube. It has markings on it.

Wipe it off with a paper towel or a rag and put it back in the hole. Make sure it is all the way in. Then pull it back out and see where the wet oil mark is on the stick. If it is at the top mark, it is ok. If it is below the bottom mark, add oil, a little at a time until it is either back on the patterned area or to the top mark. DO NOT overfill! Keep wiping and checking as you add oil. Check you owner's manual for what type of oil you should use, which depends on the time of year and driving conditions.