Before driving your car, it's crucial to check the vehicle's oil level. If your car doesn't have enough oil, it may not operate correctly and even cause permanent damage to the engine. Therefore, knowing how to check your car's oil level is a must-have skill for every car owner.
Here are some simple steps to check your car's oil level:
- Park your car
Park your car on a flat surface and wait a few minutes after the vehicle has stopped running to ensure the oil has returned to the oil tank.
- Open the hood
Find the hood of your car and open it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, you will need to find a handle or button on the hood to open it.
- Locate the dipstick
After opening the hood, you need to locate the dipstick. It's usually located on top of the engine, and there will be a marking that says "oil" nearby.
- Pull out the dipstick
Gently pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean of any oil marks, and reinsert it into the oil tank.
- Check the oil level
Pull out the dipstick again and observe the oil level indicator to see where the oil level is. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If the oil level is too low, you'll need to add more engine oil.
- Add oil
If the oil level is too low, you'll need to pour the correct type and amount of engine oil into the oil filler port. Be careful not to add too much oil.
- Repeat the check
After adding new engine oil, repeat the oil level check to ensure that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Once you've completed these steps, close the hood and get ready to hit the road. If you notice that the oil level keeps dropping, you may need to check for leaks or other mechanical issues. Promptly checking and addressing any issues can help ensure your car runs smoothly and extend its lifespan.
