How To Check Your Engine Oil
Checking your engine oil level is simple and done in five easy steps. If you have not done it before, don’t worry as it is quite easy to do.
Checking it is one of the most important checks you should undertake on a regular basis, even if you have more sophisticated sensors in your vehicle. Not doing so can result in not having enough oil in the engine to keep it running and can lead to over heating and engine seizure which is a costly repair.
So if this is the first time, grab a cloth or paper towel and follow these straight forward steps.
1. Before You Begin
In order to get an accurate reading you must first park your vehicle on a flat level surface. A reliable place for this is a petrol station or garage. Let the engine rest before you begin so the oil levels at the base of the engine in the reservoir (slump) and is cool. You should wait for up to 30 minutes before proceeding.
2. Locating The Dipstick
Lift the bonnet and locate the dipstick. It is usually coloured yellow, but may be another colour. Your vehicle manual will direct you to it, but is usually located to the side or front of the engine. It has a ring in most cases at the top of it, pull it gently to remove it.
3. Cleaning The Dipstick
With a clean cloth or paper towels, clean the dipstick to remove any residue. From the top by the handle pull the metal strip through the cloth or paper towel.
4. Locate The Oil Min & Max Level Markers
Now that it is clean, look towards the end of the dipstick and look for the Min and Max markers or H & L (high and low), notches, holes or cross hatch marks.
5. Check The Level
Slowly push the dipstick back in to the hole where it was fully and then remove it again. The level of the oil should pass the minimum level marker but not be above the maximum marker. Ideally it is preferred to be just above the half way mark between the two markers.
If it is too low, you need to top up your oil, but if it is above, you will need to drain some oil off. You can refer to your car manual or call us here at Titan for advice and assistance.