The motor oil is the lubricant that keeps an engines moving parts from wearing, prevents the buildup of dirt, and helps keep the engine from overheating. Without proper levels of oil, a car’s engine is put under stress and can become damaged. Checking engine oil on a regular basis is an important element of car maintenance, and here is how to get it done.
1. Park the car on a level surface and allow time for the oil in the return galleries, cylinder head valleys, drains down for a more accurate reading.
2. If the car has just been used, wait for at least an hour until the engine cools down.
3. Open the hood and locate the dipstick. Use the car’s manual for help if needed. The dipstick is a piece of metal with a loop at one end. Once it is located, pull the dipstick all the way out and wipe it on a clean piece of rag or paper towel. Insert the dipstick, pushing it as far in as it will go, then pull it all the way out.
4. Hold the dipstick horizontally and check the pointy end of the stick. Most dipsticks are designed to show 2 lines, and the oil level should fall in between those lines. If the oil level is closer to the lower line, a small amount of oil may need to be needed. Oil can be added through the oil filler cap, which is usually located on top of a car’s engine and labeled with “engine oil”.
5. Aside from the level, check the color of the oil as well. Clean engine oil is clear, while dirty engine oil is either dark brown or black. If the oil is dark colored, check for the date of the car’s last oil change. Cars can still run fine on darker engine oil, but it may signal that the car is due for it’s next oil change.
If the oil is not dark but is milky or foamy, it is possible that it may may have been contaminated with coolant. This may be a serious problem and should be checked out by a mechanic.
6. If oil was added, repeat step 3 to check the oil level again.
7. Put the dipstick back in its holder, then secure the oil filler cap back on.
Repeated noticeable decrease in engine oil may indicate a leak in the gasket, or the car may be consuming more oil than normal. In cases of leaks, it is recommended for the car to be taken to a mechanic for repairs.
- How to Check Engine Oil?
- How to Check Oil?
- How to Change the Oil in a Car?
- What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Oil?
- How to Check a Used Car?
