It’s a question that has been asked for many years – do drivers check the oil with the car on or off? Some people say it doesn’t matter, as long as the car is in a stable position. Others believe that checking the oil with the car off is the only way to do it properly. So which is it? This article will walk drivers through how to properly go about checking car oil levels.
Oil serves many purposes in a car. It helps to lubricate engine parts, keep the engine cool, and prevent corrosion. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective. This is why it’s important to check levels regularly and change the oil when necessary.
There are a few signs that indicate it’s time to check your oil levels. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to break out the dipstick:
It is recommended to check the oil level either before turning on the engine or 5 to 10 minutes after shutting down so you can have all the oil in the oil pan to get an accurate measurement.
How to Check Oil Levels
Checking your car’s oil levels is a relatively simple process. Start by pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Then, insert the dipstick back into the oil pan and pull it out again. Check to see where the oil level is in relation to the full and low marks on the dipstick. If it’s close to or below the low mark, you’ll need to add more oil.
You should also make sure your car is sitting on level ground, and that you only check the oil level on the dipstick after you wipe it clean with a rag and dip it a second time into the oil pan. A good approach is to check your oil on a regular schedule that includes checking the air pressure in your tires and other fluid levels.
It’s explained that you should be more concerned about the oil level on the dipstick than the appearance of the oil. An engine that burns a lot of oil may have worn valves, piston rings or other parts that need replacing. Even if you haven’t noticed puddles of oil under your vehicle, you could have an oil leak. In either case, a low oil level could ultimately mean there isn’t enough to lubricate all engine parts that need it, increasing wear and tear. In addition, oil circulating around the engine helps cool moving parts, so not having enough can make an engine run hotter.
It is much better to detect a low oil level sooner than later because the longer the condition exists, the greater the chances expensive car repairs will be needed. Let the oil level get low enough and moving engine parts can get so hot they fuse together.
Oil is amber-colored when it’s fresh and quickly gets darker and eventually turns black. Though that can be an indication that it’s time for an oil change for your vehicle, you should use time and distance as your main guidelines for maintenance, Cars.com explains.
If you’re unsure about checking your car’s oil level, or if it’s been a while since your last oil change, come to Scott’s Auto. Our trained technicians will be happy to check your oil and top it off if necessary. We can also change your oil quickly and efficiently, so you can get back on the road in no time. We’ll see you soon!
