How to check your engine oil levels

Here’s our simple guide on how to check your engine oil levels! Knowing how to check your car’s oil is really important for your vehicle’s health. Today we’ll show you the easy steps to keep your engine working well.

Think of checking your engine oil levels as giving your car a quick check-up. It’s a simple task that can save you from big problems later on.

Even if you’re new to car stuff, don’t worry – we’ll explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand. So grab a cloth and let’s get started!

Remember, if anything looks off during your oil check, like dirty or low oil, it’s a sign that it’s time for an oil change. Don’t hesitate to book yourself in for an oil change service with us at Bay European in Tauranga. We’re here to keep you safely on the road.

How to check your engine oil levels

Why is checking on engine oil important?

Checking your engine oil levels is super important for keeping your car healthy and working well. When you check your oil levels, you’re making sure there’s enough oil to lubricate all the moving parts in your engine. Lubrication is like putting oil on a squeaky door hinge – it stops things from rubbing together and wearing out. Without enough oil, your engine parts can get damaged from all the friction and heat. This can lead to big problems and expensive repairs. So, by checking your oil levels regularly, you’re making sure your engine stays happy and healthy. It’s a simple task that can save you lots of trouble in the long run.

1. Gather your supplies

To check your engine oil levels, you’ll need just a few things:

A clean rag or paper towel: This helps you wipe the dipstick clean and get a clear reading of your oil levels.
Your car’s owner’s manual: This handy book tells you where to find the oil dipstick and provides important information about your car’s oil specifications and maintenance schedule. Or you can give it quick google with your car make and model.
That’s it! With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to check your engine oil levels.

2. Park on flat ground

Parking your car on a flat, level surface is super important when checking your engine oil levels. Imagine trying to fill a glass of water on a wobbly table – it’s hard to tell if it’s full or not! Similarly, if your car is parked on a slope or uneven ground, it can tilt and give you a wrong reading of your oil levels.

Getting an accurate reading of your oil levels is important, because if you add too much oil because of a wonky reading, it can cause problems like leaks or engine damage. So, always make sure your car is parked on a flat, level surface before checking your engine oil levels. It’s a simple step that makes sure you get the right information.

3. Find the dipstick

Finding the oil dipstick is easy! Just pop open the hood of your car, look for a long, skinny metal rod with a loop or handle on one end. That’s your oil dipstick! It usually has a bright colour like yellow or orange to make it easy to spot among all the engine bits.

To make sure you’ve got the right thing, check for the word “oil” or a picture of an oil can on the handle. Once you’ve found it, pull the dipstick out.

4. Remove and wipe clean

Removing and cleaning the dipstick is as easy as pie! First, grab the handle of the dipstick. Then, gently pull it out of the tube. Once you’ve got the dipstick out, take your clean rag or paper towel and wipe it off from top to bottom . Make sure to get rid of all the oil on the dipstick so you can see the true level.

Now, it’s time to put the dipstick back where it belongs. Carefully slide it all the way back into the tube. Make sure it’s fully inserted, so you get an accurate reading of your oil levels.

That’s it! You’ve successfully removed, cleaned, and reinserted the dipstick.

5. Check the oil level

Now it’s time to check the oil level. First, pull the dipstick out of the tube again, just like you did before. Then, take a good look at the end of the dipstick. You’ll see two marks – one high and one low. It usually says MIN and MAX.

Compare the oil level on the dipstick to these marks. If the oil level is between the two marks, that’s perfect – it means you’ve got enough oil in your engine. But if the oil level is below the low mark, it’s time to add more oil.

Once you’ve checked the oil level, put the dipstick back in the tube. Make sure it’s fully inserted, so you get an accurate reading next time.

That’s all there is to it! Checking your oil level is a simple task that anyone can do.

Book an oil change with us

You’ve done it! Now you know how to check your engine oil levels like a pro. By following these simple steps, you’re taking an important step in avoiding any potential problems. Remember, regular oil checks help make sure your engine stays healthy and happy for kilometres to come.

If you noticed that your oil looks really dark and dirty during your check, it’s a sign that it’s time for an oil change. We, at Bay European in Tauranga, are here to help. Our expert team can give your car the care it deserves with our professional oil change service. It’s quick, easy, and convenient to book online, so you can get back on the road with confidence.

So, don’t wait until it’s too late – book your oil change with us today. Your car will thank you for it!