By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Monday, October 17, 2022
Olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil – you name it, there’s an oil for just about anything. When it comes to your car, your engine needs oil to keep it running. That’s why it’s important to regularly check your oil to make sure dirt and sludge aren’t building up in the engine.
We enlisted the help of RAA’s car guru Simon Halford to demonstrate how to check your oil correctly. Watch the video below.
First things first, make sure you have an old rag or lint-free cloth handy, and then follow these simple steps.
1. Warm up your car
It’s best to check your oil while the engine’s warm, so wait until you’ve taken a quick trip to the supermarket or around the block. Just make sure you turn off your car before popping the bonnet.
If you’re not a qualified mechanic, it can be dangerous to pop the bonnet and touch the engine’s parts when it’s running, as you can burn yourself. Even if you’ve switched the engine off, be careful of hot car parts under the bonnet.
2. Locate the dipstick
On most car models, the dipstick is located on the left side of the engine. The dipstick usually has a yellow or orange circular handle that’s clearly visible. When you pull this handle, a long piece of metal will slide out of the engine.
3. Clean the dipstick and reinsert it
Clean the dipstick with your rag before you slide it back in to ensure you get an accurate reading. Make sure that the dipstick is inserted all the way in.
4. Remove the dipstick again and inspect
Look at the end of the dipstick. Some models will have a line marked ‘full’ while others will have a textured area. If the oil level is below the line, or you can’t see any oil at all, do not drive your car.
5. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3 and 4 every four to six weeks
If you drive an older car, it’s good to get in the habit of checking your oil every week. Engine oil (and your oil filter) is generally replaced by your mechanic every 10,000km to 15,000km.
What should you exactly be looking for?
The oil level must be within the safe zone. If your oil reading is low, you’ll need a top up. If it’s above the recommended oil intake, you can damage your engine. The oil residue on the rag should be light brown. If it’s dark or contains debris, it needs to be changed.
