Checking Engine Oil Levels
If you are on your way to receiving your driver's license, you are no doubt very excited about driving a car without adult supervision. However, before you get carried away with enjoying your independence behind the wheel, it would be best for you to learn some basic automotive maintenance and repair skills. One of these is checking and changing your engine oil.
To check the level of your car engine oil, you should first make sure that your car is parked at a level surface. If you have just been driving, then allow it to cool down for a while. Open the hood and locate the dipstick beneath it. This is usually located near the front of the hood. Take the dipstick out. It will most likely be coated in oil, so you have to wipe this on a tissue or cloth. Once you have wiped off all the oil from the dipstick, place it back all the way inside until the top is properly positioned atop the dip tube. Wait for several seconds and pull the dipstick back out. Then, observe how much of the stick is coated in oil. The oil level should be midway between the “high” and “low” points of the dipstick. These points are usually symbolised by two dots, by a shaded area or by the letters “H” and “L.” If the level is too low, then you should fill the tube with oil until you achieve the right level.
Having too much or too little oil in your car, as well as having the wrong grade of oil, can cause much damage to your engine. Check with your local dealer to know which type of oil is most suitable for your vehicle.
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