Oil is essential for optimum engine performance. Its mission is to protect moving parts from wear and friction, to help cool the engine and to clean it of dirt and dust particles. This is why it is essential to know how to check engine oil level.
Oil lubricates and cools the engine’s moving parts to prevent wear and overheating. If the oil level is low, the engine can suffer significant damage and require costly repair. However, there are a number of essential steps to check the level.
As professionals in oil sales for individuals and companies, we at American Petroleum use our experience to advise you.
Step by step for checking the engine oil level
The following is a summary of the 4 steps you should take when checking the oil level of your vehicle’s engine, whether it is synthetic or conventional.
1. Do it on the flat
First of all, you should place the car on a flat surface to check that the measurement is correct. If you park the vehicle on a slope or on an incline, the fluid will not show the correct measurement.
2. Hot or cold?
The next step is to always check engine oil level when the engine is cold, since in this state the oil becomes denser. If you check the level when the engine is hot, the oil will have expanded and the measurement will be incorrect. In addition, by checking it when cold, you will be able to detect any oil loss before the engine warms up.
3. Use the dipstick to check engine oil level
The dipstick is a small device used to determine the oil level.
It is located inside the engine and has a yellow or orange washer at the top to remove it when checking the level. Once you take it out, you must clean it with a cloth and put it back in place.
When you take it out again, you should look at the end of the dipstick to check engine oil level.
4. Check if the level is between the minimum and maximum
Finally, you should check on the dipstick to see if the oil level is between the minimum and maximum. If the oil level is very close to the minimum or below the line that delimits it, it is time to top up the oil level of your car or proceed with an oil change. Always use an oil with the same characteristics as the one you usually use.
Checking the oil level is a task that you should do on a regular basis. It is recommended to carry it out at least once a month and always before taking a road trip.