What is the method for checking car engine oil?
1 Answers
Be sure to check when the engine is cold. Locate the dipstick handle in the engine compartment, pull out the dipstick, and use a tissue to completely wipe off the oil stuck to the dipstick head. There are usually MIN and MAX markings. Insert the cleaned dipstick back in, push it all the way down, and then pull it out again. Observe the oil stuck to the dipstick to determine the highest point of the oil level. More relevant information is as follows: 1. When to check the oil: Always check when the engine is cold, such as after the car hasn't been driven overnight. This is because when the engine is hot, the oil splashes around, making the dipstick reading inaccurate. The correct time to check is: after the engine is turned off, wait for 15 minutes before checking the dipstick. If you need to check frequently, you can check before starting the car in the morning, as the oil level at this time is also accurate. 2. Where to check the oil: When checking the dipstick, make sure the car's four wheels are parked on a level surface, meaning there should be no tilt in any direction. If the car is tilted, the oil level in the oil pan will change, leading to inaccurate measurements. A simple way to check is to park the car, put it in neutral without engaging the handbrake, and if the car remains stationary, it's basically level. Avoid any left or right tilting as well. 3. Understanding the dipstick: The dipstick is used to measure the static height of the oil level, reflecting whether the engine oil level is within a reasonable range. Standard dipsticks have clear upper and lower limits. As long as the measured oil level is between these two marks, it's acceptable. Ideally, the oil level should be around the middle mark.
