How to check your engine oil and avoid costly damage
Checking your engine oil level monthly is one of the easiest ways to protect your engine, avoid costly repairs and keep your car running reliably on Australian roads.
Engine oil lubricates and protects the moving components inside your engine. If the oil level becomes too low, increased friction and heat can cause severe engine damage or, in extreme cases, complete engine failure.
Check your engine oil at least once a month and before long trips. This can help you identify oil leaks or excessive oil consumption before they lead to serious problems. Do not wait for the dashboard oil-pressure warning light to appear, as it signals that the engine’s oil pressure has fallen below a safe level and requires urgent attention.
Major engine repairs or replacement can cost thousands of dollars and, depending on the vehicle, may exceed $10,000. Regular oil checks are a quick and simple way to help protect your engine and avoid preventable repair costs.
Most petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles use a dipstick to check the engine oil. However, some newer vehicles use an electronic oil-level monitoring system instead, so always follow the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual.
How to check your car’s oil level
- Park on level ground: A slope can affect the oil reading, so make sure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface. Have a clean cloth or paper towel ready.
- Turn off the engine and let the oil settle: Follow the checking conditions specified in your owner’s manual. Unless the manufacturer advises otherwise, wait around 10 minutes after switching off the engine so the oil can drain back into the sump.
- Locate the oil dipstick: The dipstick is usually near the engine and often has a brightly coloured handle. If you cannot find it, consult your owner’s manual. Some newer vehicles may use an electronic oil-level display rather than a physical dipstick.
- Remove and clean the dipstick: Pull the dipstick out and wipe the metal section clean with a cloth or paper towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick: Insert it fully into the dipstick tube, then remove it again to obtain an accurate reading.
- Check the oil level: The oil should sit between the MIN and MAX, LOW and FULL, or equivalent markings on the dipstick. Ideally, it should be close to the upper mark without exceeding it.
- Top up the oil if necessary: If the level is at or below the minimum mark, check your owner’s manual for the correct oil grade and specification. Remove the oil-filler cap and add oil in small amounts, allowing it to drain into the sump before checking the dipstick again.
- Do not overfill the engine: Stop adding oil when the level reaches, or sits just below, the maximum mark. Too much oil can also harm the engine. When finished, securely replace the dipstick and oil-filler cap.
How to choose the right engine oil
Using the correct oil grade and specification is important for protecting your engine. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the oil recommended by the manufacturer, as requirements vary between makes, models and engines.
What to do if the oil-pressure warning light comes on
An illuminated oil-pressure warning light should be treated urgently. Stop somewhere safe and switch off the engine. Continuing to drive with insufficient oil pressure could cause serious engine damage. Check the owner’s manual and seek roadside or mechanical assistance if you are unsure of the cause.
Why regular engine-oil checks atter
Regularly checking your car’s engine oil can help you:
- identify a low oil level before it causes serious damage;
- detect possible leaks or excessive oil consumption;
- maintain adequate lubrication of moving engine components; and
- reduce the risk of preventable engine failure and costly repairs.
Making an oil-level check part of your monthly car-maintenance routine is a simple way to protect your engine, whether you are commuting in Sydney, travelling through regional NSW or preparing for a longer Australian road trip.
