Always refer to your owner’s manual to determine the recommended viscosity, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, and the API service rating. If the oil sits at or below the minimum marker, you need to add oil immediately.
How to Check Oil in Your Car to Prevent Engine Damage
Engage the parking brake and turn off the ignition to create a safe and stable working environment before you begin. Clean oil acts as the lifeblood of your engine, reducing friction, regulating temperature, and trapping harmful contaminants.
Reinsert the dipstick fully into its tube to ensure the oil coats the entire measuring strip, then pull it out again to check the current level. The Step-by-Step Process Locating the dipstick is usually the first step; it is typically found near the front of the engine and features a brightly colored handle, often yellow or red.
How to Check Oil to Prevent Engine Damage
Frequency and Additional Checks Most mechanics recommend checking your oil at least once a month, as well as before any long road trip. Park the car on level ground; an incline or decline will cause the oil to pool in the oil pan, giving you a false reading on the dipstick.
More About How do you check oil on a car
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