Motor oil is like blood in the human body, it’s vital to your car’s engine, so checking it regularly is important to keep your engine running smoothly. The oil dipsticks They are not all the same, each one has some way of indicating the correct engine oil levelFor example, two holes, the letters L (Low) and H (High/alto), the abbreviations MIN and MAX, or perhaps a shaded area. To find out how the oil level is, you must take into account that: if the upper part of the oil “line” is between the two marks or within the shaded area, the level is fine. But, if the oil is below the minimum mark, then you will need to add oil, as we will discuss below.
Check engine oil
First, as we mentioned, motor oil is essential because it lubricates the internal moving parts of the engine, preventing them from wearing out so quickly. It also helps keep the engine clean, preventing the accumulation of dirt and overheating.
Check oil level It’s a quick and easy job that you should do every other fill-up. To do this, all you need is a rag or paper towel and your car’s owner’s manual if you have questions. Some newer cars have an electronic oil monitor and do not have a traditional dipstick for manual inspection.
How to check motor oil yourself?
If you are checking the oil yourself, the car must be parked on level ground and the engine must be cold or have warmed up before doing the inspection. This step depends on the recommendation of your manufacturer and the driver’s manual. We point to the warmed up engine for a better check, but you have to be careful. Next, open the hood, locate the dipstick, pull it out, and wipe the oil off its end. Then reinsert the dipstick into its tube and push it all the way in.
Pull back and look on both sides of the dipstick to see where the oil is on the end. As we mentioned before, the signaling depends on your dipstick, but basically if the top of the oil “line” is between the two marks or within the shaded area, the level is fine. Unlike, if it is below the minimum markyou must add oil.
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Remember to check the color of the oil, it should appear brown or black. If it has a clear, milky appearance, it could mean a coolant leak, or if you find metal particles, it could be internal engine damage. So you should take the car to a mechanical workshop for further diagnosis. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, have the car towed.
Finally, if all is well, clean the dipstick, insert it into your tube, close the hood and you are done.
How to add engine oil?
Use the grade of oil recommended in the owner’s manual. Usually it will have a designation like 0W-20 or 5W-30.
To do it, remove the oil filler cap (it’s usually on top of the engine) and use a funnel to make sure the oil doesn’t spill on the engine, other parts, or the floor.
You need to add oil a little at a time, start with a half quart. Wait a minute or so and recheck the dipstick. If the level is still below or near the minimum mark, add the rest of the room. Unless your engine is leaking, burning oil, or you haven’t checked it in a while, you rarely need to add more than a quart. However, if a second quarter is needed, add it slowly, checking as you go.
Once the oil is full, screw the oil filler cap back on securely and you are done.
It is worth mentioning that if you have not been driving your vehicle, you may need a oil change: Oil lasts about six months before it needs to be changed, whether you run the engine or not.
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Font: Consumer Reports
