Why Check the Oil Level in your Car’s Engine
It is crucial to regularly check the oil in your car’s engine because oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates hundreds of moving parts within the engine. Without oil you would have metal rubbing against metal. This causes excessive heat in the engine and could mean your engine seizes up.
Simply put, checking the oil regularly is a simple task and could save you thousands of pounds.
Checking the oil is especially important in cars with turbo engines. Turbos run at extreme speeds and generate lots of heat in normal running conditions. Correct oil levels are essential to keep these engines running at peak performance and save excessive turbo wear. A regular oil change is also especially important on a turbo engine. Dirty oil can block turbo oil pipes causing the turbo to prematurely fail. If you feel like your vehicle needs a complete oil change, not just a top up, give us a call.
How to Check the Oil in Your Car
Before you check your oil, make sure your vehicle is on level ground and the engine has been off for about 60 seconds. Because oil is a liquid, you might get a false reading if your car is on a steep hill. The engine moves the oil around when it’s running. The oil needs time to settle and drain to the bottom so you can accurately read what the oil level is.
So, once you’ve ticked these boxes, here’s what you do:
1. Pop The Car’s Bonnet
You should see a lever either on the front driver or passenger side by the door of your car. Pull the lever to pop the bonnet so you can open it up fully.
Some Ford cars are a bit special! You might need to use the ignition key in the radiator.
3. Locate Your Car’s Dipstick
Check around the engine. The dipstick should have a yellow top so it’s good and visible. If you can’t see it, dig out the manual.
4. Remove The Dipstick
Pull on the yellow hook to remove the dipstick. It’s quite long and is oily, so make sure to have a cloth or tissue to hand.
5. Clean The End With A Cloth Or Tissue
You’ll need a fresh read on the oil so give it a good clean it first and familiarise yourself with the markers that indicate the levels.
6. Replace And Remove Again To Check The Oil Level
Replace the dipstick fully then remove again to check the level of oil. This should be within the two max and min markers.
7. Top Up If Your Car Is Low On Oil
If the dipstick indicates you’re oil level is low, top it up with the correct oil for your vehicle. To top up the oil find the oil filler cap on your engine. It should be somewhere near the back and should have a yellow cap or icon.
Add small amounts of oil and recheck the level on the dipstick using the steps above. Stop filling when you are at or close to the maximum level.
If it’s too high, you’ll need to come and see us so we can take some out!
Need A Hand Checking Your Car’s Oil Level?
If you’re unsure how to check your oil, we can check the level for you free of charge and also recommend the best oil for your vehicle. Get in touch using our contact form or give us a call on either of these numbers: 0116 3190 118 or mobile 07850 881 911.
