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How to check the oil level correctly

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Key to the engine.

One of the most common car maintenance operations is to check the condition of the lubricant, but do you know how it tastes? Let’s see how to check the oil level correctly.

A correct oil level is essential not only for the engine to function properly, but also to prolong its life.

The oil is responsible for keeping all the moving parts of the block lubricated and cooling them, so that they do not get too hot or rub against each other and the dreaded seizing occurs.

The lubricant circulates through a circuit, thanks to a pump that is responsible for driving it and maintaining the appropriate pressure.

Every combustion engine uses oil, to a greater or lesser extent, therefore, no one should trust or wait for periodic inspections or the mandatory ITV to know if their engine has enough oil.

The objective of checking the oil level from time to time is to know if the fluid is above the minimum and below the maximum so as not to have problems of shortage or that the circuit has leaks due to excess oil and pressure in the pipes when it expands. by a too high level and the increase in temperature.

What happens if the oil level is not correct?

How to check the oil level correctly

If the oil level is below the minimum, the engine can seize, due to the friction of the moving parts, which can break. In the most serious cases, the fault may not have a solution.

To avoid this, fill the oil tank with the same model recommended by the manufacturer in the vehicle manual. Afterwards, you should wait a couple of minutes before taking a new measurement.

Repeat as many times as necessary until the level is adequate without exceeding the maximum tab of the dipstick.

On the other hand, if the oil level is above the maximum, it is best to go to the nearest workshop so that a mechanic can check the condition of the engine and remove the excess oil.

How to check the oil level correctly

How to check the oil level correctly

It is true that, currently, cars warn of the state of the oil, but it is always good to check it for yourself. That is the most reliable measurement. But you have to do it correctly.

flat surface

Place your vehicle on a regular surface and as flat as possible, so that the measurement does not give errors. If the engine is located at the front and you park uphill, you might think that you have less oil and you will count it.

On the contrary, if you do it downhill, the measurement could be too optimistic.

cold engine

When circulating, the engine heats up and the oil expands (in addition to being pushed through the entire circuit by the pump), therefore, you will not be able to measure with the dipstick (which will be completely stained) the real amount of oil you have in the crankcase.

Therefore, when you want to measure the oil level (every 15-20 days, before a long trip or after traveling many kilometers), park it hours before without moving or starting it until you proceed to look at the dipstick.

Pull out the rod

It is usually a fairly prominent element, with a yellow or orange handle and easily accessible even in the most “covered” engines, such as almost all modern ones, so it is normal that you do not have to remove anything to access it. the rod.

In cold and flat conditions, carefully pull the dipstick and watch for any drops of fluid that may be present.

First glance

With a piece of blotting paper underneath (a handkerchief, some toilet or kitchen paper will do), take a first look.

The normal thing is that the information is unreliable, unless the car has been stopped for a long time. But feel free to follow the rest of the steps.

dry the rod

Be that as it may, dry all the metal or plastic from the top to the end, until you clearly identify the notches/marks of minimum and maximum, values ​​between which the fluid should be.

The normal thing is that you see this with these codes:

  • Notches without more.

  • MIN and MAX, of minimum and maximum.

  • L and H, from low (low) and hi (high).

  • E and F, from empty (empty) and full (full).

  • Re-enter it and take a second look

Do it carefully, without bending it. Leave it for a few minutes, so that it soaks well, without moving it. Then she takes it out again and performs the same reading operation.

One part should be clearly more stained by the lubricant than the other. If you see that it is not, clean again and repeat the operation as many times as necessary.

put it up again

Make sure it is well placed and fixed. If it is loose or comes out, do not start the engine, because the oil will come out there and you could seize the mechanics.

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