How to check the engine oil level?

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is necessary to regularly check the engine oil level in your vehicle. We advise you to carry out this check once every two weeks, or once a month. However, not all motorists cover the same distances. So be sure to check the engine oil level as soon as you have passed the 1,600km mark.

Don’t wait until the engine oil light comes on on your dashboard! Checking the engine oil level should be done before getting behind the wheel. This helps limit the risks incurred in the event of a lack of engine oil. In addition, remember to systematically check the oil level before and after a trip.

Every 10,000 to 15,000 km traveled, it is advisable to call a professional to drain your vehicle. . A regular oil change carried out by a professional optimizes the lifespan of your vehicle and allows any technical fault linked to the engine to be quickly detected.

Where is the oil dipstick located?

. It is thanks to this gauge that you can determine the amount of oil you have left. Most often, this oil dipstick is located at the front of the engine. You can quickly recognize it thanks to the ring-shaped tip that hangs over it. Generally, the tip is yellow in color.

First, make sure your vehicle is stopped on level, stable ground . **The engine must be off and cold **so that you do not get burned during operation.

Next, open the hood of your vehicle to locate the oil dipstick . The tip is frequently yellow, making it easy to locate. Then remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel. When the dipstick is clean, place it back into the tank.  You must hold it in a horizontal position to determine the oil level.

Now observe the oil level on the dipstick. On the end of the gauge, two lines identify the minimum level (“MIN”) and the maximum level (“MAX”) . Your engine oil level should be somewhere between the two. If there is a shortage of oil, add more to your oil tank little by little.

What precautions should be taken when checking the engine oil level?

To check the engine oil level in your vehicle, your engine must be cold. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself. It is therefore not recommended to carry out this check just after turning off your engine.

An unstable vehicle or stopped on a wobbly surface risks falsifying the result of your check. It is therefore necessary to park your vehicle on a flat surface so that the oil level indicated on the dipstick is correct.

To have more certainty about the level and quality and in particular the viscosity of your engine oil, do not hesitate to seek the help of a professional. Carrying out a regular oil change helps limit the risk of common breakdowns and prolongs the life of your engine.

What are the risks incurred for a lack or excess of engine oil?

Engine oil is necessary to properly cool and lubricate your engine. A lack of engine oil can therefore cause considerable damage: vehicle breakdown, wear, engine breakage, turbo failure, etc.

Conversely, excess engine oil can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle. If oil begins to leak, it may flood the intake manifold and cause the engine to overrun. Overflowing engine oil can also weaken the crankshaft, the connecting rods or clog the catalysts. Excess oil is consumed and burned by the engine: it can therefore cause thick smoke.