Grab a clean rag and pop that bonnet. It’s oil checking time!
Why is the level of oil in your car important? In a sense, it stops your engine from drying out. Lubricating parts moving at high speed, oil prevents friction building up. Friction creates heat and too much heat is bad for your engine, and eventually, bad for your wallet.
Before you start, let the car cool down if you’ve been driving. This is both so you don’t hurt yourself or get a false reading.
To check, you’ll need to locate the dipstick. Look around the engine for a yellow or orange coloured handle. Pull it out, and wipe it clean with your rag. The dipstick is wiped it down before reinserting so you can get an accurate reading.
Dip it again, and remove for inspection. At the end, your dipstick is marked with indicators that show if your oil is full, half full, or needs to be filled up. If you’re topped up and your dipstick is fully slicked, happy motoring!
Anything less than half full, and you need to top up right away. Replace the dipstick but don’t pour fresh oil down the dipstick tube! The engine will have a cap on top marked with a small oil symbol ENGINE OIL. Your owner’s manual will have the details on the type of oil, and how much your car needs.
There are many different types of oil, and it’s critical you get the correct one for your car. If you’re unsure, or just want to be certain, call or drop by your car’s nearest dealer for advice. The best oil for the job is the genuine article, specified by your vehicle’s maker to the exact tolerances of your car, so always go for the good stuff if you can.
IMPORTANT: If you are unsure, always head directly to your local vehicle dealer to have your car checked. Never get on the road if you have even a small concern about whether or not your vehicle is safe.
This is general information only. Every vehicle is different and all drivers are responsible for their own vehicles. Always consult your vehicle’s manual, and contact your local vehicle dealer for advice.