How to check the engine oil level in a car? A step-by-step guide
Checking the car engine oil level is a quick and straightforward DIY (Do it yourself) task. One can quickly check the oil level without any special tools.
Follow the below steps to check the engine oil level of your car.
Step 1. Prepare to check
If you are checking the engine oil level for the first time, you may want to go through the owner's manual.
Park the car on a levelled ground and turn off the engine.
Parking on uneven surfaces can tilt the car, resulting in the inaccurate reading of the oil level. So, ensure that you park on a levelled surface.
Step 2. Let the engine cool down
Let the engine cool down for at least 10 minutes after you park the car. It allows the engine oil to flow to the oil pan. It also reduces the oil temperature.
It is not recommended to check the oil level when the engine is hot. However, refer to the owner’s manual for the exact instructions.
Step 3. Locate the dipstick
Open your car's bonnet. Ensure that the hand brake is engaged before doing so.
Look out for the oil dipstick in the engine bay. Generally, it is yellow/orange in colour and located in the centre of the engine compartment.
Step 4. Pull out the dipstick
Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the end of it with a clean piece of cloth.
You will see two makings at the tip of the dipstick. The lower line is the ‘low oil level’ marking, and the upper line is the ‘full’ marking. Some dipsticks will have written markings as ‘Full’ and ‘Low’.
Next, insert the dipstick into the tube.
Step 5. Check oil level
Remove the dipstick, and you should be able to see oil at the tip.
If the oil level is between the two lines, your car has enough engine oil.
If the oil level is at the low mark or below the low marking, it’s time to top up the oil.
Step 6. Wait and re-check
Once you are done with the top-up, wait for a few minutes. Let the oil flow into the crankcase.
Next, repeat the 5th step and re-check the oil level.
If the oil level is between the full and low markings, the job is done.
Note that the oil level need not be at or above the full mark. If the oil level is between the two markings, the engine has got sufficient oil.
