The First Aspects to Know About Your Car Oil
Car oil keeps your engine cool and helps reduce wear and friction because it acts as the car’s blood. Knowing how to read your engine’s interaction with oil helps you gauge your car’s functionality. If your engine burns through too much, or if the oil is dirty, it is a sign that something needs to be repaired. Likewise, a leak should not be left unpatched for long, because it can cause corrosion to other parts of your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll share with you more about how oil keeps your car healthy and how you should use it for maintenance.
Preparing to check for oil
To get the most miles out of your car, check your oil at least once a month. The oil cap is under the hood, in the front portion of your car. When you’re checking for oil levels, you need a dry rag and the dipstick, which will be used to check the levels.
Car manufacturers usually place it to the engine’s left, with a yellow or orange handle. If you can’t find the dipstick, use your owner’s manual to locate it. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with the rag to clean before use. Remember, do not check your oil while the car is running, for your own safety. Turn the engine off, wait for around five minutes until the system is down to a low-level warmth, and then pop your hood.
Checking for oil level and clarity
To check the oil level, you need to replace the dipstick and pull it out again. The stick typically has a way of indicating the recommended oil level, which is usually a line or a textured area. The oil should be a clear amber, so you should have no trouble inspecting it.
Then, read the oil level and cleanliness; if the oil is low, check the consistency. Clear oil means that you just need a refill by using a funnel and pour a fresh supply in. If the oil is dirty, on the other hand, then you must change the oil as soon as possible.
Monitoring how your car uses oil
If you are driving an older car, you usually need to have your oil changed every few thousand kilometres. In the past, the rule of thumb was an oil change every 5,000 km. However, cars built after the 2000s do not normally need the oil changed as frequently. The exception is if you use your car heavily.
If you frequently travel on rough terrain, drive in extreme temperatures or use your car in a humid climate, you are a heavy car user, and you need to monitor car oil more closely. You may also need to ask a specialist about maintaining your car in these conditions.
When to have an oil change
No matter how lightly you use your car, the oil will eventually wear down, turn black, and need replacing. Dirty oil is less effective and will start to corrode metal. While you can change your oil by yourself, it requires several tools like a car jack and socket wrench, which you may not have lying around. You will also want to know the right type of oil for your vehicle. If you are pressed for time and resources, the best step is to get your car serviced by professionals.
Staying safe on the road is not just a matter of driving safely, but it is also being prepared off the road. You can do this by making sure your car is in working condition, and an important part of this is the car oil. While you can check your car oil levels yourself, changing the oil might need a little more equipment than you have at home. In such situations, consulting with professionals will be your best bet when it comes to road and vehicle safety.
TrilliTires has over 50 years of experience in automobile servicing. Our large auto facility and speedy service ensure that we can take care of your concerns immediately. Our technicians are licensed to provide repairs and services on vehicles and can help answer your questions about your car. Schedule an appointment with us today.