When to check oil on a car is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that often goes overlooked. Regularly monitoring your car’s oil level ensures that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, prolonging its lifespan. In this article, we will discuss the importance of checking your car’s oil and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly.
Checking your car’s oil level is typically recommended to be done at least once a month, or before any long trip. This is because oil can degrade over time, losing its effectiveness in protecting your engine. However, there are certain situations where you should check your oil more frequently:
1.
After a long journey or a high-speed drive, as the oil can become hot and expand, giving you an inaccurate reading.
2.
When you notice your car’s engine is overheating, as this could be a sign of low oil levels.
3.
After a period of inactivity, such as during the winter months, as the oil can become thicker and harder to circulate.
4.
When you hear unusual engine noises or notice a decrease in performance, which could indicate that your oil needs to be changed.
Now that you understand when to check your car’s oil, let’s go over the steps to do it properly:
1.
Find a safe and level surface to park your car, then turn off the engine and wait for at least 5 minutes to allow the oil to settle.
2.
Open the hood of your car and locate the dipstick. It is typically marked with a bright handle and may be labeled “Oil.” Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
3.
Insert the dipstick back into the tube and pull it out again. Look at the oil level on the dipstick and compare it to the minimum and maximum marks. If the oil is below the minimum mark, you will need to add oil.
4.
After adding oil, repeat steps 2 and 3 to ensure that the level is within the proper range. Be careful not to overfill the engine, as this can cause damage.
5.
Once you have the correct oil level, securely close the hood of your car and dispose of the used oil and rag in an environmentally friendly manner.
By following these steps and being aware of when to check your car’s oil, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains in good condition and avoid costly repairs in the future.
