The Simple Oil Check Procedure

A reader asked about how to check engine oil levels correctly. This is what she wrote:

Hi Mr. Seno, I am a regular follower of your Sunday write-up.  My name is Lexy, I am a sales representative based here in Cebu. I am thankful because your write-ups give me a lot of tips about caring for my car, what to do and what not to do.

I have a question about checking the oil levels of my car. I know this is a simple thing but not all peepz seem to know how to check it correctly, especially the service guy in the gas station. Here is the story Sir. I stopped for gas and the guy in the gas station offered to check my engine’s oil. He  then told me that it was lacking. I bought 2 liters of oil and then the pump guy  proceeded in putting oil into the engine. He poured the whole two bottles into it.  The next day I was in the car wash and I decided to check the oil of my car with the help of the carwash boy. The guy told me that my engine had too much oil because the oil levels in the oil stick was over the indicator. This got me confused because the service guy in the gas station said I lacked oil and that he put 2 liters. Please let me know and the readers out there who are not so knowledgeable about cars, the correct way of checking oil levels in the engine. Thank you sir!

Hi Lexy!  Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, I think you had a case of a service guy with “rocks in his head.”

This  guy must have checked the oil levels right after you turn off the engine or maybe while the engine was running.  Oil circulates inside the engine and checking levels right after the engine is shut off is simply incorrect.  Yes  again, this is a very simple procedure but it’s surprising that not a lot of drivers know how to check engine oil levels correctly.   Checking your car’s oil level is one of the simplest things you can do to extend the life of  your car’s engine. It takes only a minute to do so, but incorrect procedure will lead to a wrong reading and eventually a lengthy engine breakdown. Follow these steps, and make sure you use the oil specified by your car’s manufacturer.

First, make sure that you park your car on level ground before you check your oil. Oil is obviously liquid so an uneven surface will make oil slosh to one side of the engine oil pan, resulting in an inaccurate reading. The oil dipstick  is a long metal rod with a handle, usually yellow, which is mounted to the side of the engine. It’s usually easy to get to and is very visible when you pop the hood. Make sure the engine is shut off when you do this procedure.  If it was just turned off, wait about 10-15 minutes for the oil to settle in the oil pan. If you can’t wait, then just check if the oil is in between the markers.  But it is best to check oil levels before you start your engine, probably before you go to work.

Second, with the hood safely popped, pull the dipstick out and wipe the end clean with a rag. Re-insert the dipstick into the engine, making sure it goes all the way in. Now pull it out, but don’t turn it upside down to look at it, this makes the oil run upward and will ruin your reading. The dipstick will have two marks at the bottom. They are usually either embossed lines/letters or holes in the stick. The oil level can be read by looking to see where the oil mark ends  and the dry part begins. If it’s between the two marks, you’re good to go, as the markers are for the last liter before full. This would mean that if it’s on the bottom mark, you will need to  add a liter of oil. Never add more than a liter at once without driving and taking a new reading of the oil level again. Overfilling the engine can cause engine seals and gaskets to leak and spark plugs to foul, not to mention a few other things that will damage your engine.

There you have it! A minute,  a week will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of your car’s engine. I sure hope I answered your questions. To all the other readers, keep your mail coming. (Write to me at [email protected])