How to check oil

How to check oil is the nuts and bolts of this article .

Checking oil is very important and a very simple process. Oil is the lifeline of your engine and low oil level can cause premature engine wear or failure. I will be writing this article in a very basic format. I believe in the KISS methods for educating customers "keep is simple stupid" and it seems to work. So I will be going over the when ,where and whys of how to check oil.

• What is oil and whats the big deal ?
• When should I check my engine oil ?
• Why does my oil levels change ?
• What can happen if I don't check oil regularly ?
• How do I check oil ?
• When should I have My oil changed?

What is oil and whats the big deal ?

Your engine is a rotating machine of metal parts and without oil it wont last 5 min. Between these parts are gaps or clearances that allow oil to keep them rotating and lubed. When two dry pieces of metal rub together friction is created and wear occurs . An example would be if you rub your hands together really fast you feel the heat that's friction. Engine oil gives a thin layer of lubrication reducing friction and drag. Oil must be present in order for your engine to stay rotating and seize. Seizing happens when two pieces of metal get so hot they melt together and become one , basically they become welded together. Not checking your oil can be a very costly mistake and it only takes 30 seconds to do. So lets learn how to check your engine oil!

When should I check my engine oil ?

A good time to check your oil is every time you put gas in your vehicle. That way you don't have to remember the last time you checked your oil . You can check it cold or hot it doesn't matter the results will be the same. Checking it cold makes it easier because there is no possibility of touching a hot engine part resulting in a burn. Most of the time the dipstick is in a location that prevents a burn but I recommend checking it cold the first time . I have two daughters that check there oil by themselves so this is not a complicated task. Every driver should know how to check fluids. We will add additional hubs for other fluids soon.

Why does my oil levels change ?

There is basically two reasons oil is used or gone . Oil is used because a small amount makes its way passed valve guides and rings occasionally and is burned in the cylinders with the fuel. The other reason is the fact that many gaskets and seals have a potential to leak and will. Checking your oil may give you a heads up that you have a possible leak. As engines get older with many miles they will start to use more oil because parts wear and more oil is burned.

What can happen if I don't check oil regularly ?

One of the worst things that can happen is you develop a leak and keep driving. Most vehicles hold around 5 quarts of oil and is continuously pumped under pressure throughout the engine and returns to the pan. How long do you think a gallon of milk last with a constant drip . You will be driving down the freeway at 70 rocking to some tunes and racking away. A little light will come on that you may or may not notice. We call this light in the industry idiot lights because by the time that light comes on some damage has already happen. If you see the light and pull over immediately you may save the engine. If you don't see the light and keep driving at some point it will die and never start again the engine is destroyed.

• How do I check oil ?

To check your engine oil is an easy task and takes less than a minute. It is best to check it on a level level surface , so don't check it in a steep driveway. Open your hood and secure it with the hood rod , some hoods are on springs or shocks. The engine should not be running and can be checked hot or cold. Within the engine compartment is a dipstick which goes down into the oil pan. The dipstick usually has a loop or ring at the top to insert one finger and pull straight up and out. Wipe the oil from the dipstick(with rag or paper towel) and reinsert it and push all the way down. Remove it again and look at the end to see what level the oil is at. there are areas on the dipstick that say Full Or F, Add , Min , Max depending on Model. The level should be at the full mark or max mark, any reading below Full Or Max will require you to add oil. If you cannot locate your dipstick refer to your owners manual. Many times it will be colored yellow or red. Make sure you haven't pulled the transmission dipstick it is similar but usually says transmission. If you wipe the stick and it is red you have the transmission dipstick. If you need to add oil you will need to locate the oil fill or cap. This is usually a black cap that's says oil on the top and unscrews to the left. Remove the cap and set it where it wont fall down into the engine area. Add with a 1qt bottle of the recommended oil in small amounts, sometimes a funnel is helpful and recheck with the same procedure above, Wipe , reinsert , read level. Normally less than a quart will be required , if you find yourself adding oil every time and more than a quart you may need to have the vehicle checked for leaks. In the description it seems it takes longer than it actually does. After you have achieved a full level reinstall the oil cap and tighten. Don't forget to install the oil cap or oil will be everywhere after driving. To sum it up three basic steps are required.

1. Open the hood
2. Pull and wipe off dipstick
3. Reinsert dipstick and read level
4. Add oil if needed through oil fill (Black cap labeled oil)
5. Install (Black cap labeled oil)
6. When should I have my oil Changed ? Article coming

Useful Tips

• Leaving a rag just for this purpose under hood or keep it with your oil stored in trunk.
• If checking oil hot the engine parts will be hot so just touch the dipstick to remove , don't rest your hands on hot engine parts.
• When wiping dipstick keep the rag or towel against the dipstick while wiping not your fingers. The dipstick will be hot and can give you a minor burn just use the rag surface and you will be fine.
• Oil viscosity comes in many ranges so check your owners manual for the correct type of oil .
• During morning start ups its a good idea to turn your radio down to hear the engine. An engine that has lost its oil overnight from a hole or leak will make a lot of noise .

More basic car maintenance articles to come !

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