Guide to Check The Engine Oil Level In Your Car

Written by Sharad Bajaj

Updated On Oct 14, 20232 min read

Engine oil often needs to be changed, but how would you know? Read this article to find out.

Most modern-day cars need their engine oil replaced after driving for every 10,000km. Having low engine levels can be hazardous to the engine’s parts leading to an increased rate of wear and tear. Though 10,000kms is the mentioned distance after which engine oil needs to be replaced, often due to our urban cities and their traffic jams, the average speeds become lower, we tend to leave the engine on for long periods and this can increase the oil consumption, especially in older cars. So how would you know exactly when your engine oil needs to be refilled? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about it:

What Should You Do To Check The Engine’s Oil Level?

The following steps will guide you for checking your car’s engine oil level:

Step 1: Let your car’s engine cool down. Let the car rest for at least 10 minutes, that way the oil will cool down and also collect in the lower oil pan. However, do check your car’s owner manual. Some car companies recommend checking the oil while it’s hot.

Step 2: Since you are going to be checking the level of the oil, make sure to park on level ground. If the car is on a tilt or an incline your reading of the oil level may be inaccurate.

Step 3: Find and take out the yellow dipstick. Open the bonnet and search for the yellow coloured dipstick cap. Usually, this is in the centre of the engine compartment. Pull it out and make sure to clean it with a fresh cloth. Ensure the cloth has not been soiled because if they go into the engine it can be harmful to its internals.

Step 4: Dip it in the engine and take it out again to check the level of the engine oil. The markings should be somewhere between the minimum and maximum oil levels prescribed. If it is low, you can fill the engine. However, be careful never to fill it too much.

Step 5: If you fill the engine with oil. Repeat the dipping process to check that the oil levels are correct. Also, be careful to not drop the oil on other parts of the car.

Takeaway

In a nutshell, the above-mentioned guide should help you successfully replace the engine oil of your car. However, if you want to keep your car in tip-top condition one way of doing so is purchasing car insurance. Purchasing online allows you to compare different car insurance companies and calculate your car insurance premium in seconds. For insurance quotes click here and click here for similar articles. Moreover, if you want additional coverage for your car, check the add-ons available, especially the engine cover.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Disclaimer

This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

Written by Sharad Bajaj

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Sharad is an insurance industry veteran who has managed motor insurance products for over a decade. He helped set up and scale the motor insurance vertical for a leading insurance company in his previous stint. In his spare time, Sharad likes to read and be in tune with nature.