Depending on your car, there are a lot of things to take in. Look around a bit. You can't spot something wrong until you've learned what right looks like. Hopefully by the end of this series you'll be so familiar with your under hood inspection that any problem will be obvious.
Now we have to start somewhere. Checking oil level is a good place to start. A LOT of cars in the shop these days are low of oil. I know from talking to customers that some don't realize a car can need oil added even when it isn't time for an oil change. Usually the oil level stick isn't too difficult to find. Some are marked, some aren't.
Ideally your car should have been sitting long enough the engine is cool and the oil has drained back into the oil pan. When the engine is running oil is being pumped to the various areas it is needed. After the engine is shut off it takes a minute or so to drain back to the crankcase. The oil level stick reaches down into the oil and has markings to indicate how much oil is in the pan. When you have identified your oil stick, grasp the handle and pull straight out. Plastic handles have been known to break so don't be over aggressive. Once you have the stick out and in your hand you should see oil on the lower end. Note the condition of the oil. If the oil is terribly dirty you probably need an oil change. Discolored and thick like milkshake could mean coolant is getting into the oil. If the oil doesn't look normal to you then you should let someone more knowledgeable take a look. For our purposes here though we'll continue with how to check the oil level. Wipe the oil off of the stick. There will be a full mark and a one quart low. Insert the cleaned stick fully into place then remove to see where the oil level is on the indicator. The truck below had an oil change a few weeks ago. The clean oil is hard to see in the picture but shows a slight overfill just at the last L in full. About a half quart over.
Let's try another. The oil condition looks good in this one and it is about half a quart low. Don't add a half quart. Just remember to check later on. Some cars can burn a half quart or so quickly but take a long time to need a full quart. If you try keeping it topped off you would be constantly adding oil to a car that would be fine if left alone.
If you do need to add oil use the manufacturers recommended oil as outlined in your owners manual. Add oil as needed by removing the oil filler cap. A funnel can help prevent spilling to the exterior.
Stay tuned for part 3!
Kenneth Hayes
G&G Auto Repair
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