How to Check Engine Oil in a Car

by Ronel Forbes

September 12, 2023

If an automobile’s engine is its heart and soul, engine oil keeps it going. Your car’s engine won’t run smoothly if the oil isn’t at the right level and is the right kind.

Additionally, since the engine is one of the most expensive components of any automobile, it is crucial to maintain it at peak performance.

This article offers a step-by-step tutorial on how to check your car’s engine oil as well as a list of typical issues that could arise from low oil pressure or subpar engine oil.

Why is Engine Oil Important?

Engine oil acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and preventing clogging between various engine components. By lessening corrosion, this lengthens the lifespan of mechanical components.

An engine that has been properly maintained will operate much better than one that has not. Additionally, a well-oiled engine uses less gasoline and emits less pollution.

Which Engine Oil is the Best for Your Car?

Engine oils generally fall into one of three categories: synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral. Although the main objective of all engine oils is the same to enable your engine to operate at its best each oil is distinct depending on the make of the car and the driving environment.

Car owners also examine the viscosity and fluidity of the oil before it enters the engine, in addition to the oil type.

Viscosity and fluidity are divided into two categories: cool and hot. To determine the proper engine oil type, consult your car’s owner’s manual.

Discover how to check your car’s engine oil in the section below after learning why engine oil is crucial and which engine oil is best for your vehicle.

A 3-Step Guide for Checking Your Car’s Engine Oil

Step 1: The Setting Up Phase

You must get yourself ready to check or refill the engine oil in your car before you can do it safely. The owner’s handbook should be read, your automobile should be parked on a level, stable surface, the hood should be opened, the dipstick should be located, and paper towels or rags should be nearby.

Look through the owner’s manual

You must read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn how to check the oil in your car.
For instance, according to some oil producers, checking the oil level is best done just before starting the car and when the oil is still cool. Other oil producers advise performing the oil check after the vehicle has warmed up because this causes the oil to become less viscous and looser.

Check the Surface’s Stability

Make sure your automobile is on a smooth, flat surface before checking the oil level because the results will be off if the oil moves to the edge of the pan.

Find the Latch

Locate the latch next to the driver’s seat and push or pull it to open the hood after the automobile has been appropriately positioned. Use the prop rod to stabilize the hood after it has been opened.
The majority of modern cars don’t require a prop rod because they stay steady on their own.

Look for the dipstick

To check the oil level after opening the hood, locate the dipstick. Typically, the term “oil dipstick” refers to a yellow, orange, or red cap. The dipstick might be circular or rectangular in shape.
The dipstick is frequently found placed into a pencil-sized dipstick guide near the passenger side. Some automakers mark the dipstick with the image of an oil can to help owners identify the genuine article.
Get some paper towels and check the consistency of the oil last. As an alternative, you might run the test on an old rag.

Step Two: Examine the Oil

Everything you should know before checking the engine oil is covered in this step-by-step instruction on how to do it. The procedures for examining the level and consistency of your car’s engine oil are covered in the paragraphs that follow.

Take the Dipstick Out

A dipstick is typically 1 to 3 feet in length. The dipstick must be fully pulled out to the tip.
Pull the dipstick while holding an old rag or paper towel around the port. You can remove the extra oil from the sidewalls using the rag or towel.
Additionally, only slightly pressuring the dipstick should be used; otherwise, more force should be avoided.

Examine the color, consistency, and quality of the oil

Check the color, texture, and consistency of the oil at the tip of the dipstick after removing it. To determine the color of the paper towel or rag, sprinkle a few droplets of oil onto it.
The color of the engine oil frequently shows its age and aids in the early detection of various engine efficiency problems. Good engine oil has a somewhat yellow-green appearance, but it is not black, brackish, or brown.

Repeat the procedure

You can repeat the operation and insert the dipstick once more to double-check the outcome if you want to be absolutely certain.
Make sure the dipstick is completely dry before reinstalling it.

Analyze the Oil Amount

A dipstick has two dots on the end. The minimum and maximum fill lines for the oil pan are represented by the two dots.
Verify whether or not the minimum dot is close to the tip. Check to see if the largest dot is approximately one inch above the minimum dot.
The fill line will be situated midway between two spots when the engine oil level in your car is at its ideal level.

Learn how to add oil to your engine in the part that follows now that you are aware of how to check your car’s engine oil.

Step Three: Add Engine Oil

Your car gets a new lease of life every time you add engine oil to the oil chamber. To pour engine oil like a pro, keep in mind these suggestions:

Get the user guide

Check the owner’s manual to see what kind of oil you should buy. To keep your engine in peak shape, take particular note of the grade and use the same quality oil each time.

As an alternative, you can contact the car’s manufacturer or dealer to learn more.

Activate the oil fill cap

Open the cap, wipe the area with a rag or paper towel, and place a funnel in the mouth. Look for the cap that says “Oil Fill” or “5W30.” Because spilled oil could be harmful to engine components, the funnel makes sure that it doesn’t.

Put the Oil in

One essential piece of advice is to fill the engine oil slowly. Give the oil time to absorb.

Examine the oil level

It’s time to check that the oil level is ideal after adding the engine oil to the chamber.

You must first check the oil level by removing the dipstick once more. If the oil level is off, add more oil and check the level once more.

Check all seals once more and take out any paper towels, rags, or bottles before lowering and shutting the hood.

Conclusion

Without a question, the most crucial part of every car is the engine. To extend the life of your engine, it is crucial to know how to check the oil in your car. To change or top off the engine oil in your car and drive contentedly, pay attention to the engine noise, oil smell, engine light, exhaust smoke, and driving distance.

Visit the official website of MGS Insurance to read further educational blogs and protect your vehicle with comprehensive motor car insurance.