How to check your car's engine oil

Not only does the oil lubricate the engine’s internal moving parts, it also keeps it clean, preventing dirt build-up and stops it from overheating.  Therefore, spending just one minute checking your engine oil can save you a lot of money and time later down the track. 

Checking the oil is a quick, easy job, that we recommend you do at every other petrol refill.

Checking the oil

Make sure you check your owner’s manual first as some newer cars have electronic oil monitors and don't have traditional dipsticks for manual inspection.

Make sure that the car is parked on level ground and the engine is cold to avoid burns. With the engine off, open the car bonnet and find the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out from the engine and wipe any oil off from its end with a rag or paper towel. Then insert the dipstick back into its’ tube and push it all the way back in then pull it back out. Look at it to see where the oil is on the end.  If it is above the minimum mark, then the level is fine.  If it is below this line you will need to top it up.

Another thing to check is the colour of the oil. ‘Healthy’ oil will be brown or black but if it is light or milky this could be a sign of coolant leaking into your engine.  Any metal particles in it could mean there is internal engine damage.  If you see either of these you need to get the car to a mechanic and if you do suspect a coolant leak, unfortunately you are going to have to get the car towed.

If everything’s okay, insert the dipstick back into its tube and you’re done.

Topping up the oil

To add oil, remove the oil cap, usually located on top of the engine. You don’t want to overfill the oil as this can be bad for the engine, so just add a little at a time. Add a bit, wait a bit, check the dipstick. Do this a few times until the level is where you want it.  Screw the oil cap back on securely, and you’re done.

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