While all components on the car make it run well, oil is the driving force of the vehicle. Without oil the car will suffer disastrous engine failure. This is why it is important that the car is never driven without oil.

Older cars with odometers showing over 100,000 miles will burn oil faster so need it checked more frequently.

 

Use a clean cloth

An old t-shirt will work, or lint free cloths will do. As long as the rag is clean it is suitable to check the oil.

 

Check the vehicle manual

This is a good idea as it will show you what is under the bonnet. You will find how to open the bonnet and where the dip stick is located.

 

Warm up the car

Most manuals will tell you that it is better to check the oil level after warming up the car. A quick trip around the block is enough for this.

 

Turn the car off

Wait about ten minutes to ensure that everything is cool enough to touch. Also, it is important that the car is level and not on a slope.

 

Open the bonnet

You normally pop the bonnet from inside the car. At the driver’s side on the door or under the dashboard you will find the release switch. This will pop the bonnet.

It will not open the bonnet completely. For this you will need to walk to the front of the car and feel for the release lever. This will allow you to open the bonnet all the way. You will be able to prop it open so that it does not drop back down.

 

Locate the dipstick

This is a long rod that is inserted into a small hole and the top of the dipstick is normally colored, so you see it right away. Often it is yellow or orange and may be located on the left side of the engine (although this varies from car to car).

 

Remove and clean the dipstick

Remove the dipstick completely and use your clean rag to wipe it before sliding it all the way back into the pipe. Make sure it is inserted all the way for a true reading.

 

Remove and inspect

Remove the dipstick again and look at the oil mark. Some dipsticks come with markings to tell you the level. The oil should be an amber color and not be gritty. Once you have checked the level you should replace the dipstick.

 

Final thoughts

If the oil needs topping up, you will find a separate cap to do this as it is almost impossible to add oil to the dipstick pipe. Sometimes the oil cap is labelled, and if not, you should check the manual to locate it.

It is a good idea to do an oil check every three months in newer cars. In older cars you should do this every month.

Tags:

1

Go Back to Previous Page

Live in care jobs