When should you especially check the engine oil level?

Related Information

Why is engine oil level important?
The engine of your car operates on oil. Making sure there is always adequate oil is the simplest approach to avoid catastrophic engine failure and the associated high repair expenses.

When should you especially check the engine oil level?
You should double-check it before going on a long journey. Longer travels might cause an engine to use more oil than shorter trips. Low engine oil is potentially harmful since it can cause excessive wear, mechanical breakdown, and costly repairs.

How to check your engine oil level?

Step 1: Prepare to Check
Be sure your vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off, the transmission in Park and the parking brake on. Lift the hood.
Step 2: Locate the Dipstick
The dipstick on most vehicles is easy to spot, as it has a small colored handle—usually yellow or orange—marked with an oil-can symbol.
Step 3: Pull the Dipstick
Pull the dipstick fully out of the tube that it's housed in. It's like pulling a sword from a sheath. The upper line denotes that the crankcase is full. Some dipsticks are also marked with words like "full" and "add."
Step 4: Note Oil Level
Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has enough oil. If it's at the low mark or below, it's time to add a quart.
Step 5: Wait and Re-check

Once you've added a quart of oil, wait several minutes for the oil to drain down into the crankcase, and then check it again to ensure that the level is at least between the high and low marks.