Motorists, especially beginners, do not always know exactly how to check the oil level in the engine. The easiest way is to send the car to the service station. But if you need to cope with the task yourself, we recommend reading this article to the end.
Rules for checking the oil level in the engine
Before starting, the car should be placed on a flat area and warm the engine. After that, wait a few minutes so that the oil has time to drain into the crankcase, and proceed to the matter.
Necessary tools
The main tool for checking the oil level in the engine is a dipstick. It is a small bar with markings “Min” and “Max”.
Usually the device is located under the hood next to the head of the block. The handle is painted in a bright color, so it is easy to see.
In addition to the dipstick, you need to stock up on a clean rag that does not leave lint, and clean paper towels.
Stages of Checking
The oil level check procedure is quick and easy if you follow the instructions below.
Often the question – when the engine is hot or cold to check? Therefore, read the manual of the car. Relevant instructions should be mentioned there. Although it is believed that it is more effective to do it after driving, with the engine warmed up, as this will make the oil less viscous.
Fluid in the engine should be evenly distributed, so after warming up the engine, you need to let the car stand for 10-15 minutes.
Open the hood and fix it in the open position with a support, if the car model does not provide automatic fixation.
Remove the dipstick. The handle will be colored red, yellow or orange. Sometimes a special icon in the form of antique oil lamp indicates the location of dipstick.
After removing the dipstick you need to assess the color and consistency of the oil fluid. If it has a yellow-green tint, the condition is satisfactory and does not require replacement. When the grease becomes dark brown or black, it is time to change it. Read how to choose the right oil in this article.
It is best to check the oil level twice. Before dipping the dipstick again, it should be wiped with a rag.
Evaluate the fluid level. If the oil volume is normal, the oil film imprint will be about midway between the “Min” and “Max” marks on the dipstick. If the mark is out of line with the marks, intervention is required to avoid trouble.
The consequences of an incorrect oil level in the engine
It is necessary to watch the oil level all the time, regardless of whether the unit is new or with an impressive mileage. You should not think that in a new engine the level stays at the right level all the time.
Lack of oil in the engine
Any engine consumes oil during operation. If the consumption remains within the permissible limits (the value is specified in the manual of the car), it is not considered a malfunction.
But in certain situations, the fluid is insufficient. Many modern engines are boosted, i.e. turbocharged. While oil may not be used at medium and low loads, the situation will change at high loads.
Also the fluid level drops if the driver moves aggressively in the city with frequent alternation of “start” and “stop” modes. Prolonged high speed driving also causes increased lubricant consumption.
As the oil gets into the combustion chamber it burns off together with the fuel with increasing loads. This is why it is necessary to monitor the fluid level in good time. Its lack threatens so called oil starvation, due to which there is a dry friction of engine parts and, accordingly, their fast wear. The first to fail are the Crankshaft and the timing gear.
Excessive oil in the engine
Excessive oil also does not promise anything good. The excessive fluid penetrates into the crankcase ventilation, which leads to catalytic converter malfunction. With mineral oils, the crankshaft seals deteriorate and squeeze out, because excess oil creates excessive pressure.
Packing problems are less common with synthetic oils, but engine coking and ring linings can occur.
When to Check Oil in an Engine. Inspection Intervals
Check the oil in the internal combustion engine is necessary in the cases:
Time interval. Even if the machine has not been used for a long time, you can not exclude the possibility of leakage due to wear of gaskets, hoses, seals. Therefore, it is better to check the fluid level every week.
Overcoming long distances. On average, auto experts recommend to monitor the level of lubricating fluid in the engine every 1-2 thousand km of run. However, this indicator is adjusted by each manufacturer individually.
If a trip is planned. It is important to check not only the oil in the engine, but also the operability of all units of the car.
When buying a car from hand.
If problems in the work of the unit are detected. Alarming signals can be extraneous noises, reduced traction, smell in the cabin, pressure changes.
If an oil stain has formed under the parked car. It indicates that there is a leak. Consequently, the oil needs to be topped up.
The older the car is, the more responsible should be the inspection of lubricants. It used to be that checking the technical fluids was an integral part of daily maintenance. In modern engines it is unnecessary, but it is better not to put off checking for a long time.