Okay, back to car maintenance basics with this posts with a simple illustrated guide to checking your engine oil level. I know a lot of drivers who just don’t like the idea of popping up the hood before starting the car and rolling off to somewhere. Believe me, I also know a lot of cases where cars conked out just because of this.

The engine has a lot of moving parts and to keep them running smoothly, lubrication is needed. Running the engine without oil is mechanical suicide. Here’s how to check you engine oil level.

1. Pop the hood to expose the engine bay. I always check my engine oil before even starting the car (meaning the engine is also cool to give me a fairly accurate reading). Locate the engine oil dipstick. The location may vary depending on the make and model.
2. Pull out the dip stick and wipe the whole length clean with a clean rag.
3. Put the dipstick back in, inserting it to the hilt letting it settle for a few seconds then pull it back up.
4. Check the engine oil level. It should more or less just about level with the full or high markings of your dipstick.
5. If you’ve been running quite far since your last oil change, then your oil might be colored a very dark amber. If it’s more of black, then you might just be scheduled for an oil change. Color might vary depending on the cleanliness and quality of the oil.
6. If the level is quite low, then add more engine oil through the oil filler cap.

Normally, the oil level shouldn’t go down as fast. I go through the regular 5,000 km checkpoint without even noticing a drop in my car’s engine oil level. If your car happens to lose oil fast, then have it checked immediately as there may be a leak somewhere in the lube system.