Checking the oil level once a week is one of the most important things you can do to keep the car running smoothly. If the level gets too low, the engine will wear more quickly; if it gets low enough for the oil pressure warning light to come on, the engine can destroy itself in seconds.
You will need:
- A clean rag
- A pack of engine oil of the correct type
- Maybe a funnel
Before you start:
Park the car on level ground and make sure the engine has been stopped for at least 5 minutes.
1 Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick - it may be brightly coloured to make it easy to find. Pull the dipstick out of its tube.
2 Wipe the oil off the dipstick using a clean cloth. Look for the oil level marks on the end of the dipstick.
3 Push the dipstick slowly all the way into its tube, then pull it out again. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks. If the level is near the lower mark, you need to top up.
4 Remove the oil filler cap, which is usually on top of the engine. Check your car's handbook or your Haynes manual if you're not sure. Pour in some oil, using a funnel if necessary. Wait a few seconds for the oil to drain down to the bottom of the engine, then recheck the level. Don't overfill - this can cause leaks.
When you've finished, refit the oil filler cap, wipe up any spills and make sure the dipstick is pushed firmly home in its tube.
Haynes Hints
- Check your car's handbook, or look for a sticker under the bonnet, to see what oil the car manufacturer recommends.
- Brand is not important. The two things to look for are the viscosity (thickness) shown by the SAE rating, and the quality (indicated by the API or ACEA rating).
- The cheapest oils are mineral-based, the mid-price oils semi-synthetic and the most expensive fully-synthetic. Again, check the manufacturer's recommendation.
- It's almost always cheaper to buy oil in a car accessory shop rather than on the garage forecourt - so it pays to carry some in the car.
