Under what conditions should engine oil be checked?
2 Answers
Engine oil should be checked before starting the car for the first time each day. The car should be parked on level ground with the engine off (static condition). The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick - neither exceeding the upper limit nor falling below the lower limit. First, pull out the dipstick; there is a grooved section at its end with upper and lower lines indicating the oil level. Engine oil, often referred to as the 'lifeblood' of a car, serves multiple functions including lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, and reducing friction. The engine is the heart of a vehicle, containing numerous metal surfaces that move against each other at high speeds in harsh environments with operating temperatures reaching 400°C to 600°C. Only qualified lubricating oil can minimize engine component wear and extend service life under such extreme conditions.
When checking engine oil, I always wait until the engine is completely cooled, such as after overnight parking or waiting for more than 30 minutes, allowing the oil to settle back into the oil pan. The car must be parked on an absolutely level ground without any slopes or inclines, otherwise, the dipstick reading will be inaccurate. I make it a habit to check the oil level once a month or before long trips to prevent unexpected issues. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it all the way back in, then pull it out again to observe the oil film between the high and low marks. If the level is too low, top up the oil. Also, check the oil's color and quality: fresh oil is transparent brown, but if it turns black, thin, or contains impurities, it's time for an oil change. This helps protect the engine and reduce wear. Safety tip: Never check the oil while the engine is running or hot, and wear gloves to avoid burns or getting dirty. A small effort now can save you from costly repairs later.
