Check your oil regularly, ideally once a month and before long journeys. Running with low oil can destroy an engine within minutes.
What You'll Need
- A clean cloth or paper towel
- The correct grade engine oil for your car (check your handbook)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Park on level ground and make sure the engine is cold (or has been switched off for at least 5–10 minutes). Checking hot oil gives an inaccurate reading.
- Open the bonnet. The release lever is usually under the dashboard on the driver's side. Once open, there's a secondary catch under the bonnet lip.
- Find the dipstick. It's usually a brightly coloured handle (often yellow or orange) that sticks up from the engine. Check your owner's manual if you can't locate it.
- Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with your cloth. This removes any oil that splashed during driving, which would give a false reading.
- Reinsert the dipstick fully, push it all the way back in.
- Pull it out again and look at the oil level. There are two marks, MIN and MAX. The oil level should sit between these two marks, ideally closer to MAX.
- Check the oil condition. Wipe a small amount on your finger. Healthy oil is amber/golden. Black or gritty oil means it needs changing. Milky or creamy oil could indicate a head gasket problem, see a mechanic immediately.
If the Oil Level Is Low
If the oil is below the MIN mark, or near the bottom of the normal range, top it up using the correct grade for your car. Add a small amount (around 100–200ml) at a time, wait a minute, then recheck the dipstick. Don't overfill, oil above the MAX mark can damage engine seals.
When to See a Mechanic
- Oil is consistently low between checks
- Oil looks milky or has a creamy consistency (possible head gasket fault)
- You can see oil leaks under the car
- The oil warning light comes on while driving
- Oil is very dark/gritty (due for a service)
Tip: Write the date and your car's mileage on the oil bottle with a marker pen so you can track how quickly you're going through oil.