How to Check Your Car's Engine Oil

1. How to Check Your Car's Engine Oil To keep your car in good condition, you need to conduct simple maintenance checks. The maintenance checklist can vary on different factors like condition, age, and mileage of the car. The checklist includes basic maintenance like getting regular oil changes. Checking and changing your car's oil is an important part of keeping your engine running well. The oil is used for lubrication of internal combustion engines. It also reduces wear and tear on moving parts and cleans the engine from sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents). Here are a few simple tips to help check your car engine oil: Park Your Car on Level Ground Be sure that your car is parked on level ground and turn off the engine. Wait for at least 10-15 minutes to let your engine cool down. This also allows oil to settle back into the lower oil pan. Locate the Dipstick Open the bonnet and securely place the prop into the prop holder. Locate the dipstick or oil cap (usually the yellow cap), which is generally in the centre of the engine compartment. Pull it out and

2. wipe it off with a clean piece of cloth. Make sure to double-check for any oil residue left behind on the dipstick. Check the Oil Level After the cleaning process, insert the dipstick back carefully. Wait for a second and pull it out once again. The oil visible on your dipstick is your car’s engine oil level. If the oil mark is between the minimum and maximum markings, the level is normal. If the oil mark is touching the minimum marking then your oil level is low. In this case, top up with the right grade oil. However, in the third case scenario, if it is above the maximum level, then you need to drain the engine oil or get your car checked out by a professional. Never add oil over the suggested level. Top up the Engine Oil Topping up the engine oil can prevent extreme engine damage. The procedure can be done through the oil filler cap, located near the dipstick cap. Unscrew and remove the oil filler cap. Place a long-neck funnel to pour the oil in the fill hole. When topping up the oil, be careful and do not spill it on the other engine parts. Also, pour the engine oil in small doses to avoid overfilling. Overfilling the oil can cause serious damage to your engine. Wait for a few seconds before checking the engine oil level again. As oil takes time to settle down at the bottom. Check the oil level using the dipstick, if it is still near the minimum mark then repeat the above process. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Put back the oil filler cap and close the bonnet. And you are all set for a safe ride. However, there are a few things you will want to consider before adding car oil. ● ● Always choose the right engine oil keeping in the mind the model of your vehicle Depending on the model, you can choose the type of engine oil: Synthetic oil, Semi-synthetic oil or Mineral oil. Engine oils have got different grades based on their viscosities. The viscosity in oil is derived by the fluid's resistance to flow. The viscosity grade of an engine oil provides necessary details related to the oil's flow in the engine. Engine oil with a low viscosity grade will be more fluid and will flow easily. A high viscosity grade oil is less likely to flow smoothly because of its thickness. Go through the owner’s manual to check the recommended viscosity grade for your car. Lastly, always remember to change your car engine oil after completing 5,000 miles or when it is dirty. ● ● ●