HOW TO CHECK A CAR’S OIL

Ana PariseENGL 393

WHY IS THIS PROCESS NECESSARY? Checking a car’s oil is essential to

keeping it maintained properly. The purpose of checking the oil is to

keep the car functioning at an optimum level between regular oil changes.

A car’s oil needs to be checked at least twice monthly.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED Your vehicle Your vehicle’s owner’s manual Paper towels or rags

If you find that the oil level is low: A quart of oil A funnel (to avoid spills)

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Turn the engine off, place the car in

park, and apply the emergency brake before lifting the car’s hood.

If the car’s engine is warm, avoid touching metal parts to prevent burns.

Do not touch the metal part of the dipstick with bare hands.

STEP ONE Park the car on level ground. This is important

to ensure an accurate oil level reading. Note: Depending on the car’s make and

model, a manufacturer may recommend checking the oil level when the engine is warm or when it is cold. Check your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.

STEP TWO Open the hood and make sure that the

hood is affixed securely in its upright position.

STEP THREE Locate the dipstick, pull it out from the

engine and wipe off any oil from the end.

STEP FOUR Replace the dipstick. Make sure to

reinsert it completely into the engine, and remove it once again.

STEP FIVE Hold the dipstick horizontally to read the

oil level. Note: Not all dipsticks are the same.

Refer to your owner’s manual to ensure that you are reading the oil level properly.

STEP SIX If your car’s oil level is normal, replace

the dipstick and close the hood. If your car’s oil level is low, proceed to

step seven

Step Seven

STEP SEVEN If the oil level is low, then oil needs to

be added. Check the owner’s manual to see what

type of oil the manufacturer recommends.

To add oil, you need to locate the oil filler cap. This is usually located near the top of the engine, and is marked with the following symbol:

STEP SEVEN, CONTINUED Additional materials for this optional

step include a quart of oil and a funnel.

STEP EIGHT Remove the oil filler cap and put the

funnel into place. Add half of the quart of oil to start, and recheck the oil level.

STEP NINE If the oil level is within the normal

range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood.

If the oil level is still too low, gradually add more oil, and check the level after each addition.

STEP TEN Once the oil level reaches the normal

range, replace the oil filler cap and close the hood.