New Driver? Here’s What You Need to Know About Oil Changes

Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone—welcome to the road! Whether you’ve just gotten your first car or are borrowing the family vehicle, you’re stepping into a whole new world of independence and responsibility. One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly is to understand engine oil basics.

Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone—welcome to the road! Whether you’ve just gotten your first car or are borrowing the family vehicle, you’re stepping into a whole new world of independence and responsibility. One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly is to understand engine oil basics. And when it comes to new driver car care, learning about oil change for new drivers is step one.

Engine Oil, What Is It?

So, what exactly does engine oil do? In short, oil is your engine’s best friend. Oil lubricates all the moving parts inside your engine, helps prevent overheating by reducing friction, and keeps the engine clean by capturing dirt and grime. If you skip oil changes, that oil breaks down, loses its effectiveness, and eventually allows sludge to build up. Over time, this can cause engine wear or even total failure.

You might be wondering: how often should you change your oil? It is recommended to change your oil every 3,000 miles, as this proven standard helps reduce engine stress and supports long-term engine health. Exceeding 3,000 miles, regardless of newer extended intervals, can put added stress on all engines. The best way to know for sure? Check your owner’s manual. It will tell you exactly what your vehicle needs. Just remember, your first oil change is especially important—it sets the tone for future maintenance habits.

How to Check Your Own Oil

Before that oil light even comes on, you can check your oil yourself. It’s easier than you think—even if you’ve never popped the hood before. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through it step by step and show you how to check oil properly:

1. First, park your car on a level surface and make sure the engine is off and cool. Then, pop the hood using the hood release lever—usually located under the dashboard on the driver's side. Once the hood is open, prop it up using the metal rod (often clipped to the side of the engine bay) or the built-in strut if your car has one.
2. Next, look for the oil dipstick. It’s a long, thin metal rod with a brightly colored loop or handle—usually yellow or orange—located near the engine. If you’re not sure where to look, your car’s manual can help, or a quick search of your car’s make and model can guide you.
3. Now that you've found the dipstick, pull it all the way out and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. This removes any oil that might have splashed around during driving and gives you a clear reading. Insert the dipstick fully back into its tube, then pull it out again slowly. You’ll see markings on the end—usually lines or dots labeled “Full” and “Low.” If the oil level is near or below the low mark, it’s time to add oil or get an oil change.
4. While you’re checking the level, be sure to also take a look at the oil’s color. Fresh oil is usually golden or amber and fairly transparent. If it looks thick, gritty, or very dark—closer to black than brown—it may be dirty and overdue for a change. If you see a milky or foamy look, that could indicate a serious issue like coolant mixing with your oil, in which case, a mechanic should take a look immediately.

If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry—you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Knowing how to check oil is one of the most basic and useful beginner car maintenance tips you can learn. And once you’ve done it once or twice, it becomes second nature.

Common Mistakes

You might also be asking, “What kind of oil does my car need?” There are different grades of oil, like 5W-30 or 0W-20, and your car’s manual will specify which is best. Many newer vehicles recommend or require synthetic oil because it performs better in both extreme heat and cold. Understanding synthetic vs conventional oil is part of becoming a more informed driver. Don’t worry if this sounds overwhelming - technicians at places like Take 5 can help choose the right oil for your engine.

New drivers often make a few common mistakes: waiting too long between oil changes, ignoring that dashboard oil light, or just topping off the oil instead of replacing it entirely. Topping off can be a short-term fix, but it doesn’t remove the dirty, broken-down oil already in your engine.

Why Quick Oil Changes Are Perfect for New Drivers

That’s why quick, no-hassle services like the stay in your car oil change at Take 5 are perfect for new drivers. You don’t need an appointment, and the friendly team explains everything they’re doing while you stay comfortable in your car. You’ll be in and out in about 10 minutes—no pressure, no stress.

So, mark your calendar, set a reminder in your phone, and don’t wait for a problem to appear. Making regular oil changes part of your routine will keep your car running better for longer. Whether it’s your first car or just your first oil change, we make it easy. Visit your nearest Take 5 location (opens in a new tab) and stay in your car while we take care of the rest!