Tips & Tutorials
When , where, and how to check your oil
When to check the oil
Always check the oil when the car is cold (for example, it has not been started for a night) because the oil will spill when the vehicle is hot, and the dipstick will be inaccurate. The correct time is: after the engine is turned off, let it stand for 15 minutes and then check the dipstick. If you need to check it often, you can check it in the morning before starting the vehicle; the oil level is also accurate at this time.
Where to check the oil
You don’t want to stop on a ramp to check your oil, do you? When checking the oil dipstick, make sure that all four car wheels are parked at the same level; that is to say, there should not be any tilt in the front and rear. Once the body is tilted, the oil level in the oil pan will change, and the measurement will not be accurate. There is a simple way to judge to park the car, idle without pulling the handbrake if the car can stop and not move, it is basically horizontal, of course, left and right tilt situation is also best to avoid.
Teach you to read the oil dipstick
The function of the dipstick is to measure the height of the static oil level, thus reflecting whether the engine oil stock is within a reasonable range. Conventional dipsticks have a clear upper and lower limit, so ensure that the detected oil level is between the upper and lower levels. It is best if it is in the middle.
Here are the proper steps for checking the oil.
1.Find the dipstick handle in the engine compartment and prepare a paper towel or rag.
2.Pull out the dipstick and use the paper towel or rag to wipe off the oil stuck to the dipstick head completely. At this time, you can see where the dipstick scale is located (usually, there are MIN and MAX scales).
3.Insert the clean dipstick back in, insert it to the bottom, and then pull it out again. This time the oil stuck to the end of the dipstick can be used for observation.
4.By observing the oil stuck on the dipstick, you can know where the highest point of oil in the engine is. For example, if the oil level position is in the middle of MIN and MAX, it is the ideal position and proves that the amount of oil in the engine is appropriate.
