It is recommended that you get an Oil Change on your vehicle every 3,000 miles for regular oil and every 5,000 miles for synthetic oil, or follow your manufacturer’s recommendations located in the owner's manual of your vehicle. Regular oil changes for preventative maintenance are cheap insurance against engine wear, and will save you money in the long run if you keep a car for more than three or four years.
To check your oil, open the hood, remove the dipstick, wipe off with a cloth towel or paper, then place it back into the oil tank. Pull it out again and see if the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you add the oil yourself, do not overfill. Overfilling can damage the engine.