Regular oil changes once a year do not exempt the driver from the responsibility of monitoring its level. On the contrary, it’s especially important to remember to do so before a long trip.
Although checking the oil is one of the basic skills taught to future drivers, over time, many people forget its significance and the proper way to perform it. Regular monitoring not only helps avoid major malfunctions but also extends engine life and reduces the risk of expensive repairs.
Why should you regularly check the oil level?
Engine oil plays a key role in combustion vehicles – it lubricates moving engine parts and helps dissipate heat generated by friction. Without it, metal components would come into direct contact, increasing the risk of potential damage.
Driving with a low oil level primarily increases the risk of breakdown. The first symptoms are often unusual sounds, such as knocking or grinding. Sometimes, an unpleasant smell and a change in exhaust color may accompany these sounds. Ignoring these signals may lead to costly damage, such as a seized crankshaft or pistons.
Although modern cars have systems warning about low oil levels, they don’t always work perfectly. Therefore, regardless of the vehicle’s age and class, it’s advisable to check the oil level in your car yourself.
What do you need to check?
Checking the engine oil level doesn’t require any specialized tools. You don’t need to unscrew anything or disassemble parts – just a few basic items will suffice.
The most important are paper towels or a cloth to wipe the dipstick. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves to avoid getting your hands dirty. If you plan to top up the oil, you’ll also need a funnel and a bottle of the appropriate lubricant.
Checking the oil level step by step
Checking the oil level is a simple task that can be broken down into a few steps:
- Park the car on level ground.
- Wait for a few minutes so the engine can cool down, and the oil can fully drain into the oil pan.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick – it usually has a distinctive yellow handle.
- Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, and then insert it back into the tube fully.
- Remove the dipstick again and read the oil level.
- The dipstick has two markings – usually “L” (Low) and “F” (Full).
- The oil level should be closer to “F” but always within the specified range.
- If the oil is near “L”, you should top it up.
- Put the dipstick back in place and close the hood securely.
How to top up engine oil?
If, after checking, you find that the oil level needs to be topped up, follow these steps:
- Make sure you have the oil with the correct viscosity (e.g., 5W40).
- Locate the oil filler cap – it’s usually marked with a symbol of a watering can with a droplet.
- Unscrew the cap and pour the oil in small amounts, preferably using a funnel.
- After adding, wait a moment and check the level again using the dipstick.
- Repeat the process if the level is still too low.
What to do if there’s too much oil?
One common mistake drivers make is overfilling the oil during top-up. If the level on the dipstick exceeds the maximum marker, it shouldn’t be treated as a reserve for the future. Excess oil can cause increased pressure in the system, which may damage seals or even the turbocharger. In such cases, the solution is to use an oil extractor or visit the nearest mechanic’s workshop.
Another issue could be the oil level increasing on its own, which often indicates that it’s mixing with fuel or coolant. This phenomenon usually points to a serious malfunction, such as a damaged head gasket. In this case, the engine should not be started because each start could cause further damage. The safest option is to use a tow truck and take the car to the workshop for thorough diagnostics.
The article was created in cooperation with Junipertrade – a supplier of engine oils and lubricants for passenger cars, trucks, and agricultural machinery.
