Videos are for informational purposes only. Always consult your truck’s manual and qualified professionals for maintenance and repairs.
90-Second Garage is a series of short, expert-led informational videos featured in Amazon Relay’s Learning Center. They’re designed to provide information on safe driving techniques and basic truck maintenance to carriers looking for additional resources.
In this episode of 90-Second Garage, see how to safely check your semi truck’s oil.
Note: Oil levels should be checked regularly, ideally during your pre-trip inspection and always checked before long trips.
Equipment to check your semi truck’s oil
When you check your semi truck’s oil, there will be a few tools you’ll need to assist you:
- Safety vest
- Closed-toed shoes
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
- Funnel
- Rag
You’ll also need oil. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for which oil to use for your truck.
Steps to check your semi truck’s oil
Make sure the truck is parked on level ground in a safe location for an accurate reading. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 10,000-25,000 miles and only use high-quality oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Once your engine is cool and the oil is settled, get the hood open.
- Locate the oil reservoir. It’ll be labeled “oil,” and have a dipstick in it.
- Once you’ve located the dipstick, pull it out wipe it off with your rag to ensure it’s clean.
- Take note of the minimum and maximum levels on the dipstick. Ensure the oil is between these two markers.
- Reinsert the clean dipstick and pull it out again. A healthy oil color should be light brown.
- If the oil is closer to the minimum marker, top it off. Put your funnel in the reservoir and slowly pour oil in. Don’t overfill–this can cause leaks and other problems.
- Once you’ve poured in a half quart, wait for the oil to settle.
- Recheck the oil with the clean dipstick and ensure it’s right in the middle of the min-max markers.
- Reinsert the dipstick and close the hood.
Access freight resources & opportunities on Amazon Relay
This video and more safety and orientation resources are available in the Amazon Relay Learning Center. Carriers who are approved and onboarded to Amazon Relay can view these resources and have the option to assign them to their drivers.
Amazon Relay is a digital freight hub and mobile app that connects independent trucking companies directly to Amazon loads. Start your Relay application on desktop or our app on iOS or Android. But first, check out Relay’s carrier requirements to make sure hauling for Amazon is the right fit for your business.
Disclaimer: Amazon does not tender loads through any third-party load boards. Any Amazon loads posted on third-party load boards will only be tendered directly to approved and onboarded carriers via the Relay web portal or Relay mobile app. If you are interested in hauling loads for Amazon, sign up and book directly on relay.amazon.com. For more about our efforts against fraud and cargo theft, see our trustworthy transportation page.
