how to check and add engine oil in a car?

[EK1]

hey,

just wondering how do you check the level of engine oil in a car by looking at the dip stick and how do you know how much oil to add? also does it matter if you check the engine oil when the engine is warm or cold? thanks

Edited June 21, 2010 by EK1

[redracer]

I usually check the oil about 15-20 minutes after i've finished driving, this gives the engine time for the oil to drain back down to the bottom of the engine. It shouldn't matter if you check the oil either when cold or after letting it sit for a while.

Always make sure you park on level ground to get an accurate reading. Pull the dipstick out the first time and wipe it clean with a rag then put the dipstick back in and then check for a 2nd time and repeat to get an accurate reading, wiping the dipstick down each time.

I know with my V6 Camry the difference between the low and full marks is 1Lt. If i'd need to add any oil i'd just add a small bit at a time, let the oil seep down to the bottom of the engine then check the dipstick more than once to get another accurate reading.

[Family Guy]

Don't do what my ol' mate did and fill it with oil until he could see it at the top of the engine ! He wondered why it was hard to start and blew clouds of smoke out the back...

1/ Grab a rag

2/ Take out the dipstick and clean it and put it back in (make sure it's all the way down otherwise it will give you an incorrect reading)

3/ Take out again and check the level against the markings on the dipstick

4/ Add oil and recheck as you go using the same procedure for 2-4.

DO NOT OVERFILL!! Can be just as bad as not enough oil and as said before make sure the engine is warm and has sat for 10-20mins and that the car is on a level surface.

Edited June 22, 2010 by Family Guy