28/09/2021
So why is oil so important for your car? Well, maintaining the correct level is essential as oil lubricates, cleans, cools and protects the moving parts of your engine. It prevents the engine from seizing up and breaking down.
If your vehicle does not have an oil-level gauge on your dashboard, you’ll need to lift the bonnet and check it using the dipstick.
To check your oil level using the dipstick, follow this handy 9-point guide:
Check your vehicle handbook to find out whether the manufacturer recommends you check the oil level when the engine is cold or warm.
Make sure your vehicle is parked on a firm, level surface.
Open the bonnet and find your dipstick. (Your vehicle manual will tell you where it is.)
Pull the dipstick all the way out and wipe it clean to remove the oil residue.
The dipstick should be marked with two notches near the bottom. These two points will show what the minimum and maximum oil levels should be.
Now reinsert the dipstick into the engine, then slowly pull it all the way out again to check the oil level.
The oil residue on the dipstick should be between the minimum and maximum markings.
If the oil residue is below the minimum marking, you need to top up your oil level.
Check your vehicle manual for the recommended grade of oil to put in your car.