How to Check Your Oil Level
Learn how to read the dipstick correctly and check your engine oil level. Quick 5-minute check that could save your engine.
Why Check Your Oil Level?
Oil is your engine's lifeblood. Running with low oil can cause serious engine damage costing thousands of pounds to repair.
- Prevents engine wear: Oil lubricates moving parts
- Cools the engine: Oil helps remove heat
- Avoids costly repairs: Low oil can cause engine seizure
What You'll Need
- Clean cloth or kitchen roll - to wipe the dipstick
- Level ground - for accurate reading
- 5 minutes - and a cold engine
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Park on Level Ground
Park your car on flat, level ground. Turn off the engine and wait 5-10 minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump. Checking with a hot engine gives inaccurate readings.
Tip: First thing in the morning before starting the car is ideal.
2. Find the Dipstick
Open the bonnet. Look for the oil dipstick - it usually has a brightly colored handle (often yellow or orange) with an oil can symbol on it.
It's normally near the front or side of the engine. Check your handbook if you can't find it.
3. Pull Out and Wipe the Dipstick
Pull the dipstick out completely. Wipe it clean with your cloth or kitchen roll. This removes old oil so you get an accurate reading.
4. Insert Dipstick Fully
Push the dipstick all the way back in until it's fully seated. Wait a second, then pull it out again.
5. Read the Oil Level
Look at where the oil comes up to on the dipstick. Most dipsticks have MIN and MAX marks (or two holes/dots).
- Between MIN and MAX: Perfect - oil level is fine
- At or below MIN: Add oil immediately
- Above MAX: Too much oil - needs draining (see a garage)
6. Replace the Dipstick
Push the dipstick all the way back in. Make sure it's fully seated. Close the bonnet.
Understanding the Dipstick
The oil should leave a mark between the MIN and MAX lines. If it's at or below MIN, add oil immediately.
How Often Should You Check?
- Once a month - Regular checks catch problems early
- Before long journeys - Especially motorway trips
- If oil light comes on - Stop and check immediately
- Older cars (100k+ miles) - Check every 2 weeks
⚠️ Warning Signs - See a Mechanic
- • Oil drops quickly between checks - may have a leak
- • Oil is very dark and gritty - needs changing
- • Oil looks milky or has white froth - possible head gasket failure
- • Smell of burning oil - could be leaking onto hot engine parts
- • Blue smoke from exhaust - engine is burning oil
Track Your Oil Checks
Log oil level checks and services in AutoChain. Get reminders for oil changes and keep your complete service history.