Checking your motor’s oi is a crucial step in ensuring it’s running well. The oil greases the engine’s internal components and prevents them from wearing out. The oil also keeps the engine clean by preventing dirt build-up and keeps it from overheating. Checking the oil is an easy task; we recommend doing it with the engine off, like 10 minutes after shutting down.
The best thing is checking oil when the engine is warm, as all the oil gets into the pan giving accurate measurement. Again, you will also avoid burning yourself on a hot engine part. While the engine off, open the car’s hood and get a dipstick. Pull out the dipstick from the engine and wipe any oil on its ends. Later insert it back into its tube and push it in. Note the oil levels if it’s high or low, min or max, and top up if necessary.
When to Check Engine Oil
The best moment of checking your oil is when the engine is off, and the oil is warm at least some minutes after turning it off. It takes some time for the oil to pour down from the cylinder head to the pan. But nowadays, the best moment to check the engine’s oil levels depends on the manual’s instructions. Again, other factors determine when to check an engine’s oil; the temperature in your area and the type of oil. However, if you do the process accurately, you can get the correct reading either with cold or hot oil.
Factors Affecting When to Check Engine Oil
The proper way to check engine oil is dependent on the vehicle model, oil type, and outside temperatures. These factors significantly affect when and how you should check the engine’s oil.
Engine Oil Type
There two types of engine oil, synthetic and regular oil; synthetic oil has a higher rate of expansion and contraction as temperature changes. The mixture becomes much tighter in cold temperatures and can expand more than expected in hot climates. On the other hand, regular oil goes through normal expansion and contraction, meaning you can get the same readings and accuracy regardless of the temperature.
Environmental Temperatures
Whatever engine oil you use, the outside temperatures may affect your readings. For example, freezing temperatures can affect the readings taken. To get the best readings at this temperature, you need to run the engine for a while before taking readings. Set your car on idle until it warms up, allow it to stand for 10 minutes, and check the oil level.
New Cars with Electronic Oil Level Controllers
These cars only measure engine oil when warm and on a flat surface level. For this kind of car, check the engine oil when the engine is hot. For other vehicles, check your repair manual for the correct oil measurements of our car.
What is the Proper Way to Check Oil?
The best way to check your engine’s oil is through the following procedure;
- Prepare to check-be sure to pack your vehicle on level ground. Put the engine off, transmission in park, and parking brake on. Then open the hood.
- Locate the dipstick– has a small yellow or orange handle with an oil-can symbol mark. Pull the dipstick out and use a rug to wipe any oil on the dipstick end. The tool contains some marks like low level, and the upper denotes the crankcase is full.
- Note oil levels– insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it down. Remove the dipstick and check the oil levels. If it’s between the two marks, the oil is enough. But if it’s at the low line, you should add a quart.
- Wait and recheck the oil– when you add some oil, wait for some minutes and then recheck to see if it’s between the low and high mark. Remember to clean your dipstick first with a rug before rechecking. Additionally, the high level shouldn’t be higher than the upper mark or full line.
Checking Oil Quality
The color of the oil is an indication of its age and other engine issues. When you remove the dipstick, it’s best to examine the oil’s color and its quality. Good condition oil should be slightly yellow-greenish on a rag. Oil with other colors from golden to brown and black has more particulate from the engine. This oil needs to be changed as soon as possible, and always following the manufacturer’s service interval.
How Often Should You Check Your Engine Oil?
Sometimes, drivers used to check oil levels at least once a week, but more often for old cars. However, nowadays, it’s best you check your oil at least every couple of weeks or before a long trip. If the engine is burning oil faster or losing more, consult a technician before the damage is irreversible. It’s wise you learn how to check your oil as a simple service for your engine. The process only takes few minutes to check and top up if necessary.
Does Oil Level Go Down When Hot?
Depending on the type of oil you are using, there would be no much difference in oil levels when the engine is hot or cold. When considering other factors like the environmental temperature, it may not be accurate to say the oil level will go down when hot. Unless we argue that hot oil will go down because it hasn’t fully drained to the pan. So, the best way is to let your engine cool for like 10 minutes before checking. Again, always ensure your car is on a flat surface before checking oil levels.
Check this too: How Often Should You Change Spark Plugs?
Conclusion
Checking your vehicle’s oil is a simple task that takes few minutes. Doing this process as required will ensure your engine has lubrication. Again, you will quickly note any engine issues like leakage or the if the oil loses its quality. Ensure you check the car’s oil as recommended by the manufacturer and follow the correct procedure.