How Much Oil Should be On the Dipstick

Ensuring that the oil level in your vehicle's engine is within the correct range is one of the key factors in ensuring proper engine operation and prolonging its life. Too little oil may result in a lack of lubrication of engine parts, increasing wear and tear and, in severe cases, causing engine damage. Too much oil may lead to high oil pressure, increase the internal pressure of the engine, and may even damage the seals. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to read the oil level on the dipstick correctly. In this article, we will explain in detail how to check the oil level on the dipstick and determine whether the oil level is appropriate.

 

What is a dipstick and what it does

The dipstick is a thin metal rod, usually located in the oil reservoir near the engine, and its main purpose is to help car owners or maintenance personnel check the oil level in the engine. Checking the oil level is necessary every time before starting the engine, especially after a long drive or when the vehicle has just been serviced. The dipstick is usually divided into two main marks: the minimum oil level mark and the maximum oil level mark, which show the safe range of the oil.

 

A low oil level may cause engine parts to overheat or wear out due to insufficient lubrication; a high level may cause the oil to foam, which may affect lubrication and may even damage seals. Therefore, reading the oil level on the dipstick correctly is the basis for maintaining healthy engine operation.

 

How to check the oil level correctly

To properly check the oil level, you should first park your vehicle on a level surface and make sure the engine has cooled down for at least 10 minutes with the engine off. This will ensure that the oil is completely returned to the dipstick and avoid inaccurate readings due to the oil not flowing back completely.

 

Pull out the dipstick: locate and pull out the engine dipstick. Usually, the dipstick will have a handle with a more prominent color for easy identification.

Clean the Dipstick: After pulling out the dipstick, first use a clean paper towel or cloth to wipe the oil from the dipstick. This step is to ensure a clearer and more accurate reading when taking subsequent measurements.

Re-insert the dipstick: after cleaning the dipstick, insert it fully into the engine, making sure it reaches the deepest point.

Pull out and read the level: Pull out the dipstick again, at this point you can see that there is oil adhering to the dipstick. Carefully check where the oil level is located on the dipstick and make sure it is between the lowest and highest marks.

 

Judging whether the oil level is appropriate

The oil level on the dipstick should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If the oil level is close to the minimum mark, it is recommended to add oil as soon as possible. If the oil level is above the maximum mark, there is too much oil and some oil may need to be drained to prevent excessive pressure.

 

In addition, the color and texture of the oil are also factors to keep in mind. Normal oil should be clear or slightly brownish. If you find that the oil is too dark or has impurities, it may mean that the oil has aged or there are problems inside the engine. Additionally, if you notice that the oil has a milky color, it may indicate that coolant has been mixed into the oil, suggesting that there may be a leak in the engine, which should be checked immediately.

 

How to Ensure Correct Oil Levels

To ensure that your oil level is always within a safe range, it's important to check your oil regularly. Generally, you can check the oil level every few hundred kilometers or every time you fill up your car with gas in passing. If you find that the oil level drops frequently, it could mean that the vehicle has an oil leak and should be repaired promptly. Additionally, following the maintenance guidelines in your vehicle's owner's manual and changing your oil and oil filter on a regular basis will also help keep your engine in good condition.

 

Overall, learning to properly use a dipstick to check your oil level and keep your oil in the proper range is one of the most important steps you can take to extend the life of your engine. With regular checkups and maintenance, you can ensure that your vehicle is always in tip-top shape and avoid serious breakdowns caused by oil problems.