How to Check Car Engine Oil?
4 Answers
To check car engine oil, follow these steps: 1. Open the car's engine hood; 2. Pull out the oil dipstick; 3. Insert it into the engine oil. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves to lubricate and reduce friction in the engine, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and act as a shock absorber. It is composed of base oil and additives, with the base oil being the main component that determines the basic properties of the lubricant. The reasons for changing car engine oil are: 1. To improve and enhance lubrication for the engine's moving parts; 2. To extend the engine's lifespan; 3. To improve the engine's lubrication conditions and reduce friction in moving parts.
Checking the car engine oil is something I do quite often, after all, the oil is the engine's lubricant. Without it or if it's dirty, the engine suffers. When parking, find a flat spot, turn off the engine, and wait for five minutes to let the oil flow back into the oil pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, then fully reinsert it. After a few seconds, pull it out again and carefully check the oil level line—it should be between the minimum and maximum marks to be considered normal. If it's too low, add new oil but don't overfill it; too much oil can cause foaming. Don't forget to check the color: new oil is a transparent light yellow, but it darkens to a deep brown with use. If it turns black or gray, it indicates carbon buildup and needs to be changed. I perform a routine check every month, especially before long trips, to prevent the engine from overheating, reduce wear, improve fuel efficiency, and extend its lifespan. The simple tools needed are just the dipstick and a white paper towel to check for dirt or metal shavings. Developing this good habit can save thousands in major repair costs.
I find it quite important to check the engine oil whenever I refuel. After parking and turning off the engine, wait a moment to avoid inaccurate measurements. Pull out the dipstick, wipe off the old oil, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the level—it should be between the min and max marks. If it's low, add oil immediately but be careful not to overfill. The color of the oil is also a signal: a clear color indicates health, while a dark color or particles suggest it's time for an oil change. I make it a habit to check every two weeks due to frequent daily driving. Insufficient oil can lead to increased engine noise, higher fuel consumption, and even breakdowns in severe cases. During my early days, I neglected this and ended up with repair costs exceeding thousands—a painful lesson. Simply using a tissue to observe the oil's condition can provide an initial assessment without professional tools. Regular maintenance is the foundation of safe driving—don't skimp on this time.
Checking engine oil is crucial: Park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, and wait a few minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's low, add oil but avoid overfilling. Also, observe the oil color—light brown is normal, but if it turns black, it's time for a change. It's recommended to check in conjunction with mileage, such as every thousand kilometers or once a month. Poor oil condition can lead to engine overheating and increased fuel consumption. A simple check can prevent major issues, ensuring safety and saving money.
