Checking & Topping Up the Oil

It is important to keep your oil at the right level to help protect and extend the life of movable engine parts. If your engine doesn't have enough oil, it could be seriously damaged, sometimes beyond repair. You should aim to check your oil levels every week; if you spot leaks on your drive or garage floor, or if your car seems to be losing an abnormal amount of oil, you may have an engine leak.

You will also need to change your oil and oil filter at least once a year; some manufactures recommend changing the oil every 3,000 miles to maintain peak performance.

Checking the Oil

Checking your oil level is a fairly simple procedure.

1. Park the car on a level surface and wait for the engine to cool down so that the oil has time to settle into the sump.
2. Open and secure the bonnet.
3. Locate the dipstick; this will usually be near the front of the engine at one side. It often has a brightly coloured handle (red, yellow or orange) to help you find it.
4. Pull the dipstick out of its tube and wipe it clean with a clean rag.
5. Push the dipstick slowly all the way into its tube, and then pull it out again.
6. Look at the oil level on the dipstick; it should be between the upper and lower limits marked on the dipstick.
7. If the level is near the lower mark, or below it, then you need to top up.

Whilst you're checking the oil level, have a look at the colour of the oil. If it is very dark brown or black, it will need to be changed. If the oil is milky or coffee coloured, then it means that the engine coolant has become mixed with the oil, indicating a serious engine problem such as a blown cylinder head gasket.

Topping Up the Oil

1. Find the oil filler cap, which is usually on top of the engine, clearly marked 'oil'.
2. Unscrew the cap carefully and place to one side.
3. Pour in about a litre of oil, using a funnel if necessary. You should make sure that you use the same type and brand of engine oil that is already in the engine.
4. Wait a minute for the oil to drain down to the bottom of the engine, and then recheck the dipstick level using the method shown above.
5. Repeat until the oil level is about halfway between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. However, you must take care not to overfill, as this can cause leaks.
6. Replace the dipstick and close the oil filler cap.

Click here to read more from InterCars.co.uk