Engine oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. By regularly checking the level and condition of your oil, you can greatly increase the lifespan of your engine, avoid the risk of a sudden breakdown, and have peace of mind knowing that the risk of your vehicle letting you down is reduced markedly.
Fortunately, staying on top of your engine oil is easier than you think. You just need to know the right steps, be able to spot the warning signs, and know when to have a professional mechanic take care of it for you. Read on to learn all you need to know about keeping your engine oil in great shape.
Regularly checking the level and condition of your oil is vital to a safe, properly functioning, and efficient engine. Book an appointment with a qualified mechanic for an oil inspection and replacement when required.
Engine oil is the lifeblood of any vehicle. Not only does it lubricate the moving parts in your engine – including the pistons, valves, and camshaft – but also help minimise friction and general wear, thus greatly increasing the lifespan of your engine.
Engine oil also aids the cooling system by absorbing some of the heat produced by the moving parts that contact each other. It even contains additives, like friction modifiers, detergents, and cleaning agents, which help prevent the build up of varnish and other deposits to keep the engine clean.
Considering how important your engine oil is, it’s imperative that you check its level and condition regularly. Low or contaminated oil can lead to increased friction, heat generation, and component wear, thereby increasing the risk of serious engine failure.
Fortunately, maintaining your engine oil is quick and easy. Ideally you should check it at least once per week, and especially before a long road trip. Here is how to check your engine oil levels, inspect the colour, and identify any oil-related issues that may need to be checked by a qualified mechanic.
Some newer vehicles have built-in electronic oil monitoring tools. But most drivers will still need to manually inspect the oil levels the old-fashioned way.
How to check your engine oil levels
Park your car on a flat, even surface to ensure the most accurate reading. Wait until the engine has cooled down then open the hood. Locate the dip stick, which is typically a protruding yellow or orange handle. Then pull out the dip stick and clean it with a dry paper towel or cloth.
Fully insert the dip stick back into the slot, then pull it out. If the oil level sits between the two markings near the top, you’re good. But if the oil level is close to (or below) the low mark, a top up is in order.
Inspect the colour and texture of the oil, too. New engine oil is a honey dewed, light golden brown. After a while most engine oil will become dark brown, which is normal. Thick, black, or very dark oil means it has been exposed to oil or other contaminants and needs replacing.
Oil with metallic shavings means it has begun to break down and no longer lubricate properly, causing heat and friction between the moving metal parts. Similarly, oil that is light, milky, or cloudy could mean that water or coolant is leaking into the oil. This can inhibit the oil’s ability to properly lubricate and cool the engine.
Book an appointment with a qualified mechanic if your engine oil is low or contaminated and in need of an urgent replacement. You should also arrange an oil replacement per your manufacturer recommendations as well.
How to top up your oil
Got a low reading and need a top up? Check your owner manual to find out what type of oil your car takes. Visit your local automotive shop or supermarket to purchase the required oil.
The average amount of oil between a low and high reading is approximately 1 litre. Locate the oil tank in your engine, use a funnel to top up your oil in increments of 250ml. Then, repeat the oil inspection tips mentioned above.
Top up again, until the reading is comfortably within the middle or near the top of the marking.
Symptoms of malfunctioning oil
Outside of checking your engine oil levels and condition often, there are warning signs you can watch out for.
Some of the most common symptoms of malfunctioning oil are:
- Your engine oil light turns on
Which indicates your engine oil is low and needs topping up.
- Oil smells inside the car
If you smell oil in the car while driving, this could mean an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the engine could be overheating.
If you notice an excess of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, this could also mean an oil leak.
- Engine noise and knocking
Low or contaminated oil will impact its ability to lubricate the metal moving parts. As a result, you will start hearing engine noises that were previously not there, like persistent knocking, rumbling, and rattling.
Care for your oil, care for your car
Routine maintenance is vital to a safe, reliable, and efficient engine. And regularly checking your engine oil level and condition should always be part of that routine. Naturally, you can perform this task yourself with minimal fuss. But, if a problem occurs that is outside of your comfort zone, always talk to the experts for proper advice and support.
At Car Servicing & You, our team of adept motor mechanics carefully inspect your vehicle and discuss with you every little detail of the repair work needed. Regardless of how much work you need done, all work is done professionally and diligently to your absolute satisfaction. At an honest, fixed rate too.
At Car Servicing & You we give you honest, reliable advice about what your car needs, and what it doesn’t. We have locations in Ormond and Keilor Park for your convenience. Book online today and we’ll take care of the rest.
