WELCOME TO OUR Check your engine oil level PROJECT
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Summary: In this guide you will learn how to identify your engines dip stick and check the oil level.
How to check your engine oil
Please note that this is only a general guide and is not specific to any one make or model of vehicle. For more detailed information on your own particular car, please consult a workshop manual specific to your own make and model!
Please read this first
If you have recently driven your vehicle, please leave it for at least an hour for the engine and other components to cool down. If you do not you may risk injury!
One of the most important aspects of motoring is car insurance. Aside from the fact that it is a legal requirement there are also many benefits to be had such as breakdown cover, windscreen cover, contents cover etc.... Make sure that you are getting the best deal!
Required Tools:
1. Old rag or several pieces of newspaper
2. Spare engine oil (make sure that it is the correct grade for your make/model)
3. Funnel (to top up oil if needed)
Step 1 – Open the bonnet
Before you begin, move the car to a level surface so that the oil will sit level in the sump and give you an accurate reading from the dip stick.
Open the bonnet of your vehicle via the release catch normally located just under the dash board on either the driver or passenger’s side, walk to the front of the car and slide your hand under the bonnet and squeeze the latch. When the latch releases prop the bonnet up using the provided support.
Step 2 – Warm up the engine
Although in the "Please read this first" section above it says do not work on your car without letting the engine cool down first, for this project it is necessary for the engine oil to be warm when you check it as the oil itself expands when warm and contracts when cold, so in light of this fact you need to warm the engine up and then let it cool for about 20 - 30 minutes to allow the oil to seep back into the sump to give an accurate reading, but always be aware that the engines components will be hot for a good few hours!!
NOTE: When checking your oil in the future make sure you do it to the time specifications above so that you get a consistent reading every time.
Step 3 – Locate the dip stick
The next task is to locate the dip stick. This appears as a long piece of metal sticking out of the engine with a loop on the end (usually yellow, red or labeled OIL). This can normally be found on the front of the engine (see image below).
Step 4 – Remove the dip stick and clean off
With the dip stick located, put a finger through the loop (if it has one) and draw it back until it comes out. Make a note of where it came out from as you will have to put it back. If you have never done this before then it can be a little difficult to find the hole again. Now, clean the dip stick off with a rag or piece of newspaper until all traces of oil have been removed.
Step 5 – Replace the dip stick
With the dip stick clean, replace it, making sure that you push it all the way back into the hole or tube that it came from.
Step 6 – Remove the dip stick again and check the level
Now, pull the dip stick back out again, being careful not to touch it on the sides of the tube or the engine as this will effect the reading that it gives.
Now, look at the tip of the stick and on the flat edge you will probably notice 2 lines. These are the MIN and MAX points. Ideally, your oil level should sit in the middle of these 2 markers. If the level is slightly higher, this is not a major problem as long as it is not above the MAX marker.
If the level is slightly low, then you will need to add some more oil.
Remember to replace the dip stick before you move on!
Step 7 – Adding some more oil
To add some oil to the engine, remove the filler cap (this is situated on the very top of the engine and as for the dip stick, should be either yellow, red or black). Now place your funnel in the hole and pour in a little oil. (only pour a little at a time as it is very easy to add too much).
Now, leave for about 5 - 10 minutes for the oil to seep into the sump so that you get an accurate reading when you check it again.
Repeat steps 4 - 6 again.
If the level is now sitting between the 2 markers, in the middle, you can move onto Step 8.
If not, Repeat step this step (7) again.
Step 8 – Finishing up
When you are satisfied that your oil level is now fine, remove the funnel and wipe it clean. Re-fit the oil filler cap securely and also make sure that the dip stick is pushed in as far as it will go (if its not then the pressure in the engine may blow it out and subsequently the oil from the sump also).
NOTE: The oil system within a car is a completely sealed system and due to this the oil shouldn't get used up or go anywhere else other than where it should. If the oil level in your engine is constantly low then you may have a leak and in most cases this will only get worse! If you are unable to locate the leak yourself have a qualified mechanic look over it for you. You may not wish to spend the money on this but without oil, your engine will seize or explode and this could be many times more expensive.
You have now successfully completed this project.
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