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How to Check A Car’s Oil. Ana Parise ENGL 393. Why is this process necessary?. Checking a car’s oil is essential to keeping it maintained properly. The purpose of checking the oil is to keep the car functioning at an optimum level between regular oil changes.
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How to Check A Car’s Oil Ana Parise ENGL 393
Why is this process necessary? • Checking a car’s oil is essential to keeping it maintained properly. • The purpose of checking the oil is to keep the car functioning at an optimum level between regular oil changes. • A car’s oil needs to be checked at least twice monthly. x 2
Equipment Needed • Your vehicle • Your vehicle’s owner’s manual • Paper towels or rags If you find that the oil level is low: • A quart of oil • A funnel (to avoid spills)
Safety precautions • Turn the engine off, place the car in park, and apply the emergency brake before lifting the car’s hood. • If the car’s engine is warm, avoid touching metal parts to prevent burns. • Do not touch the metal part of the dipstick with bare hands.
Step One • Park the car on level ground. This is important to ensure an accurate oil level reading. • Note: Depending on the car’s make and model, a manufacturer may recommend checking the oil level when the engine is warm or when it is cold. Check your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Step Two • Open the hood and make sure that the hood is affixed securely in its upright position.
Step Three • Locate the dipstick, pull it out from the engine and wipe off any oil from the end.
Step Four • Replace the dipstick. Make sure to reinsert it completely into the engine, and remove it once again.
Step Five • Hold the dipstick horizontally to read the oil level. • Note: Not all dipsticks are the same. Refer to your owner’s manual to ensure that you are reading the oil level properly.
Step Six • If your car’s oil level is normal, replace the dipstick and close the hood. • If your car’s oil level is low, proceed to step seven Step Seven
Step Seven • If the oil level is low, then oil needs to be added. • Check the owner’s manual to see what type of oil the manufacturer recommends. • To add oil, you need to locate the oil filler cap. This is usually located near the top of the engine, and is marked with the following symbol:
Step Seven, continued • Additional materials for this optional step include a quart of oil and a funnel.
Step Eight • Remove the oil filler cap and put the funnel into place. Add half of the quart of oil to start, and recheck the oil level.
Step Nine • If the oil level is within the normal range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood. • If the oil level is still too low, gradually add more oil, and check the level after each addition.
Step Ten • Once the oil level reaches the normal range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood.