How to Properly Check Car Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Checking car engine oil can be done by following these steps: Ensure the engine is not hot: If you touch components immediately after turning off the engine, you may get burned. Open the hood: Most cars have an interior button below the steering column to release the hood. Pull out the dipstick: Then wipe it clean with a cloth. Reinsert the dipstick into the engine's oil tank to measure the engine oil level.
When I first started maintaining my car myself, I was a bit confused. Checking the engine oil is actually simple but very important. First, park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, and wait about ten minutes to let the oil fully drain back into the oil pan—otherwise, the reading won't be accurate. Locate the dipstick under the hood, usually a slender metal rod with a pull ring, pull it out, and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel. Then fully reinsert it all the way back in, pull it out again, and carefully check where the oil level line is. The ideal position should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's too low, it means you need to add the same type of oil—just don't exceed the upper limit to avoid overflow and engine damage. The oil color is also crucial: a healthy state is semi-transparent golden or light brown. If it's black and sticky or has metal particles, it's time for an oil change. I learned the hard way by not checking regularly—once after a long trip, the oil level was too low and nearly ruined the engine. Now I make it a habit to check it briefly every week to ensure safety and prevent major repairs. Temperature and seasons also affect it—oil is thinner in winter and may leak more easily, so check more frequently.
