How to check your car’s engine oil level in 4 easy steps?
Engine oil management is not a ‘fill it and forget it’ thing. It needs constant monitoring as the oil level tends to drop after a certain period of use. The causes for the drop in the oil level can be oil leakage, rapid oil burning and low oil pressure. Many car owners do get their oil changed at regular intervals but forget to check the oil level. If the quantity of oil goes too low, then the protective film disappears from components, friction intensifies between them, and they start tearing each other up. It can cause a complete engine breakdown.
Therefore, checking the oil level is in the best interest of your car’s engine.
Checking the oil level is a simple task and can be done without professional help. The steps below will help a car owner to check the oil level of his car with ease.
Step 1 – Let the engine cool
When the engine runs, the metal surface of the car’s engine gets extremely hot. Even the oil tends to get hot as it circulates throughout the engine and absorbs its heat. Attempting to check the oil while the engine is hot can cause severe burns. Switch off the car for 10-15 minutes and allow the engine to cool down and the oil to settle in the lower oil pan. Additionally, ensure that the car is not parked on an incline or an uneven surface. Doing so will cause a tilt in the position of the oil pan, and one might end up with incorrect reading.
Step 2 – Pull out and clean the oil dipstick
The Engine oil level is measured with a dipstick. This dipstick is usually yellow and can be found in the engine compartment. Locate it, take it out and wipe it clean with a cloth. This cleaning will wipe the remnants of previous checks and ensure that no contaminants enter the oil.
Step 3- Check the oil film on the dipstick
Once you are sure that the dipstick is clean, dip it slowly in the oil pipe. Hold for a second or two and pull it out. These dipsticks have (low/high) or Min / Max readings on them. The oil level should be between these markings, i.e. the level of oil should not be too high or too low.
Step 4 – Top up the engine oil and repeat the process
If the oil level is low, then top it up with the best engine oil. Ensure you use the recommended oil grade as using an incorrect one can damage the engine. Once the oil is topped up, repeat steps 1-3 and check the oil level. This time make sure that the oil level is not too high. If you overfill the oil, it will come into contact with the crankshaft and get aerated. The result will be a foamy, frothy substance with reduced efficiency.
The importance of Car engine oil cannot be overstated. It’s the engine oil that lubricates the engine, takes away its impurities and keeps it running for long. Regular supervision of oil level and timely replacement will make your engine perform at its best and bring down the maintenance costs.