How to check and top up your engine oil
Checking your engine oil level is one of the most important checks that you must carry out regularly on your car.
Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine - if the level gets too low the engine might overheat, the moving parts would begin to wear out and the engine may eventually seize up, leading to costly repairs.
What you'll need
- A rag or old cloth to clean up the oil
- The right engine oil for your car
- A funnel
- A pair of gloves and goggles for safety
Here's a step by step guide to checking your oil:
Prepare your vehicle
To make sure you get an accurate reading, park your car on level ground and ensure the engine is cool. You should wait 30 minutes after switching the engine off so that the oil that has been circulating the engine has time to drain down into its reservoir (called the 'sump').
SAFETY TIP: Always turn your car's engine off and wait for everything to cool down before lifting the bonnet and attempting car maintenance.
Locate the dipstick
The dipstick is located under the bonnet at the side of the engine. It normally has a brightly coloured handle to make it easy to find. When you have located it, gently pull the stick from its tube.
Please note: Some vehicles do not have a dipstick you may need to check your vehicle's information displays for the oil level.
Clean the dipstick
Use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the oil off the length of the dipstick.
Locate the oil level markers
Once clean, you should be able to see the two oil level markers at the end of the dipstick. These might be notches on the sides, pinholes, 'H' and 'L' (high and low), or cross hatch markings.
Check the oil level
Carefully insert the dipstick back into its tube, all the way in, then pull it out again. The oil should be between the upper and lower markers. If it is below the lower one, you need to top up. If it is above the higher one, you need to drain some oil off.
Get pouring
Before you start pouring, check that you've got the right engine oil for your car. You can find out which type you need in your car owner's manual, or you can use our handy online oil checker tool too!