When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, it’s important to regularly check the oil level. But when is the best time to check it? Should you wait for your engine to cool down completely, or pop the hood as soon as you turn off the ignition?
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In this article, we’ll dive deeper into this debate to bring you the facts so you can safely and competently check your car’s oil level. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a first-time car owner, keep reading as we separate fact from fiction and help you figure out best practices for checking your car’s oil.
The Best Time to Check Oil: The Ideal Temperature
The ideal engine temperature for an oil check is when the engine is warm and at normal operating temperature. This is usually achieved after the car has been driven for at least a few minutes so that the oil circulates through the engine. This means the engine should be typically between 230-260 degrees Fahrenheit when you check it.
At this temperature, the oil will be thin enough to accurately measure the oil level and viscosity. Additionally, the engine temperature should not be too hot, as this can cause the oil to break down and become less effective. Checking the oil when the engine is at the ideal temperature will provide the most accurate reading and ensure the engine is properly lubricated.
How Often Should You Check Your Oil?
Depending on who you ask, you’ll likely get different answers. Car oil manufacturer, Castrol, recommends checking your oil every 1,000 miles or every few weeks, whatever comes first. Other car experts recommend checking every month or after every second to complete fuel up. The exact number depends on how often and how far you drive.
Checking your car’s oil only takes a few minutes, so remaining conservative and checking it every few weeks is a good habit. You should also always make sure to check your oil level before a long trip to ensure your car is ready for the journey.
How to check oil in a car in 7 steps
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A common mistake new drivers make is forgetting to check their car’s oil regularly. The process is easier than you think! You don’t need to bring your car to a professional just to check the oil. While changing the oil should be done in a garage if you aren’t experienced doing it on your own, you can regularly check your oil on your own. Here are a few easy steps to follow to check your car’s oil.
1. Park Your Car and Turn Off the Engine
For safety and accuracy, it’s important that you make sure your car’s engine is off and that the car is parked. When parking, make sure the car is on level ground, not on an incline. If your driveway isn’t leveled, then park your car on a road or in a parking lot before checking the oil.
2. Open the Hood and Find the Dipstick
With the car parked and the engine off, pop the hood and look for the dipstick. It’s usually by the engine and has a brightly colored loop that makes it easy to pull out. Be careful when doing this step as the car’s engine is likely still hot and you don’t want to burn yourself by accidentally touching another part of the engine.
3. Wipe the Oil Off the Dipstick
Some new drivers might not be sure how to read the oil level on a dipstick, but once you do it you’ll notice it’s very straightforward. When you first pull the dipstick out of the engine, you won’t get an accurate reading of your oil levels. Your car’s engine splashes oil regularly, meaning the level you see when you first pull out your dipstick isn’t always indicative of how much is really there. Always have a rag or paper towel handy to wipe the dipstick clean so that no dark oil remains on the bottom.
4. Reinsert the Dipstick Into the Tube
After wiping off the dipstick, put it straight down back into the same tube. Make sure you push the dipstick all the way down. This should be easy and doesn’t require any force.
5. Pull Out the Dipstick Again and Check the Oil Levels
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Finally, the measure you get here on your dipstick is the accurate one you should use when checking your car’s oil level. Withdraw the dipstick a second time and look at the bottom to read how much oil is left in your engine. Most dipsticks will have lines to indicate whether your oil level is in range or you need to top it up.
6. Top up Oil
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If the oil is in between the two indicating lines, you don’t need to do anything. However, if the oil is below the lowest line, you need to top up. If you’re not sure where to put oil in a car, look for a twist-off knob on your engine with an oil canister sign. It’s best to use a funnel to top up your oil in the tube to avoid spilling it. Make sure not to overfill it, you want the oil level to be in between the two markers on the dipstick, so if you’re unsure add a little bit at a time and recheck.
7. Recheck Oil Level
After topping up, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, and then reinsert and withdraw the dipstick again to ensure you’ve added enough oil. As long as the oil is between both lines, you don’t need to keep adding to get to the highest level.
What Checking Your Car’s Oil Tells You
If you’re running low on oil, you might notice an oil canister blinking on your dashboard to notify you. This is one way that your car tells you that you’re running low, but checking your car’s oil is a way for your car to communicate other issues before they become big problems.
Aside from letting you know the oil level in your engine, your car’s oil can also indicate a number of other warnings, such as:
- If you’ve checked that your oil is full and the light still appears on your dashboard, this can be a sign that something else is wrong, such as your pressure sensor or oil pump.
- A persistent light on your dash can also be a sign of an oil leak. If you’ve recently filled up your oil and it empties not long after, this might mean you have a leak.
- Over time, the oil in your car degrades, which can lead to your oil looking dirty or full of debris. If you notice this on an oil check, then you’re definitely due for an oil change.
- Pay attention to the color of your oil. It should be almost honey-colored on your dipstick, but if it’s too light and milky or frothy in consistency, this can mean that coolant has leaked into your oil. By contrast, if it’s very dark brown or black, it can mean your oil is dirty. In these cases, it’s best to get an oil change.
Should I Check My Oil When The Engine Is Hot or Cold: The Verdict
Your engine should still be warm, but not scalding hot. After driving, give your engine a few minutes to cool down so that you don’t injure yourself.
When it comes to checking your car’s oil, treat it like your own medical checkups. You’re not looking for something wrong, but rather looking to prevent any issues from arising, so it’s best to do them regularly. Taking care of your car’s health will not only make you safer on the road but can also save you a ton on future repairs!
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