Checking the Cars Oil

When it’s time to check your car’s oil, remember that you’ve probably got some instructions from your manufacturer. Otherwise, following some simple rules will likely get you through the process.

Tutorial

Checking your car’s oil level is one of the most important routine maintenance checks you can perform. There are some things you need to remember as you check those vital fluids.

Many of the newer vehicles have established a really neat way for the average person to locate vital fluid check points, including the dip stick. This is a metal rod that extends upward from your oil pan to help you monitor the level of oil in your car. The top of the dipstick is often yellow, as are the other fluid check points that should be measured.

When you pull the dip stick out of the engine, you’ll find that the oil makes a distinct line near the bottom of the stick. This is the level of your oil. If the level isn’t evident on first examination, wipe the stick and reinsert it. Also near the bottom of the stick you’ll find a series of marks etched into the metal of the stick. These indicate the safe level for oil and whether your level is low enough to warrant adding oil. If you aren’t sure what kind of oil you use, you can refer to your owner’s manual or check your dip stick – the kind and weight of oil is sometimes stamped onto the dip stick.

When an engine is cold, the oil will typically read a little lower on the stick than when the engine is warm. This isn’t typically a significant difference but you should be aware of that fact. You should also allow your engine at least a few minutes to cool after you shut the engine down to allow the oil time to drain back to the oil pan from the engine.

Remember that your oil is one of the more vital fluids of your engine’s continued good performance. If in doubt about your oil level, consult someone who knows.