How to accurately check the car's engine oil?
2 Answers
Keep the car stationary for about 5 minutes; otherwise, the oil may not have fully flowed back to the oil pan, leading to an inaccurate check. Pull out the yellow oil dipstick, wipe it clean with a tissue, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check. Typically, the dipstick has markings or scales divided into three sections, with the ideal oil level being between the upper and lower limits. Some cars are equipped with an electronic oil dipstick, making it easier to check. Checking the oil dipstick is simple: park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, wait for at least an hour, then pull out the dipstick to check the oil level. Generally, when the engine is cold, the oil level should be above 3/4 of the range between the upper and lower marks; when the engine is warm, the oil level should be above 1/2 of this range, indicating sufficient oil. Typically, checking once a week is sufficient. After the engine is turned off, the oil flows back into the oil reservoir from various parts, and the dipstick reading at this time is the normal value. After an oil change during maintenance, the oil filter is usually replaced as well. In this case, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off and checking the oil level when the engine is cold. This is because the new oil filter will fill with oil after the engine is started, causing a slight drop in the oil reservoir level. The dipstick reading may differ by about 2-3 mm from before the oil was filled.
I always consider checking the engine oil quite important. The key is to park on a level surface to get an accurate reading. Wait until the engine cools down before proceeding, otherwise the hot oil may cause burns. After pulling out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, wait a few seconds, then pull it out again to check. The oil level should ideally be between the upper and lower marks - neither too high nor too low. If you notice the oil level is low, top it up promptly with the same type of oil, but avoid overfilling. I also pay attention to the oil color - if it appears dark brown or black, it might be time for an oil change, as fresh oil should be clear. I recommend checking monthly, especially before long trips. Developing this routine helps prevent problems and extends engine life. In summary, accurate oil inspection requires attention to detail and proper procedure - driving safety always comes first.
