How To Check And Top-Up Engine Oil?
Motor oil lubricates internal combustion engines. It reduces wear on the engine parts and prevents the formation of sludge, varnish, and acids. Because it is such an essential component of your engine, it’s necessary to make sure that you check and top-up your oil levels regularly.
In this blog post, Arlington Toyota Jacksonville will walk you through the process of checking and topping up your engine oil.
How to Check Your Engine Oil Level
The first step in checking your engine oil level is to locate the dipstick. You can see the dipstick on the side of the engine, and it will have a yellow or black handle. Pull the handle to take out the dipstick from the engine and wipe it off with a cloth to ensure that you get an accurate reading.
Now, reinsert it fully into your engine and pull it out again to check the oil level. If the oil level is within the “full” range, there’s no need for further action! However, if your levels are low, you’ll need to top up the oil before running your engine.
Topping up Your Engine Oil
Ensure your car is on a level surface and that it’s been off for at least ten minutes, so the oil has time to settle back down into its sump (the chamber where your car stores excess fluid). If you’ve just driven, allow 15-30 minutes for the engine to cool.
Remove the oil cap. Then, pour in a little bit of oil at a time until you’ve reached your desired level. Tighten the lid, reinsert the dipstick fully, remove it again and check that your levels are correct before putting everything back together!
Before refilling with oil, check for any signs of leaks around the edges of the oil
cap. If there are no visible cracks or wear and tear in this area and you can’t smell burning, it should be safe to refill oil to the engine.
After topping up your vehicle’s engine oil, be sure to recheck your levels after about two weeks. It will allow any excess engine oil that’s been spilled in the process of topping up (a common occurrence) to settle back into its sump and for you to make sure you’ve added enough!
Topping up with the Correct Type of Oil
To ensure that you top-up your engine with the correct oil type, always refer to your vehicle’s handbook. If you’re topping up your engine oil with a different kind of oil than what is already there, you must dilute the new oil with some of the old oil before pouring it in. It will prevent any harm from being caused to your engine.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide was helpful and that you feel more comfortable checking and topping up your engine oil levels. Remember to always consult with an expert if you have any concerns about the health of your vehicle.
If you’re in the Middleburg area in Florida, be sure to schedule a service with Arlington Toyota Jacksonville! We will handle the rest to make you enjoy driving your car without any worries.
