How to Check and Top Up Your Engine Oil | SUPER DIYS, by Supercheap Auto on YouTube. 2 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and switch off the engine. Wait a few minutes so the oil drains back into the sump, or check when the engine is cold.
Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. Check your owner's manual if you are unsure which handle it is.
Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag. Note the low and full marks near the tip.
Push the dipstick all the way back in, then pull it out again and read where the oil sits between the marks.
If the level is near or below the low mark, you need a top-up. If it is between the marks, leave it alone.
Look at the oil colour. Fresh oil is amber and clear. Very dark or milky oil means it is due for a change or needs a mechanic.
Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Add oil a little at a time, using a funnel to avoid spills.
Wait a minute, then recheck the dipstick. Add small amounts until the level reaches the full mark, and never overfill.
Refit the dipstick and the filler cap firmly. Wipe up any spilled oil and close the bonnet.
Tips and common mistakes
Overfilling can damage the engine, so add oil in small amounts and recheck each time.
Check the oil weekly and before long trips, not just when a warning light comes on.
Use only the oil grade and spec listed in your owner's manual.
If the oil looks milky or you keep losing oil, have a mechanic check for a leak or head gasket problem.
Questions
Do I check the oil with the engine hot or cold?
Either works if you wait a few minutes after switching off so the oil settles. A cold engine gives the most consistent reading.
How much oil should I add?
Add about half a litre at a time, then recheck. The gap between the low and full marks is usually around one litre.
Can I mix different oil brands?
For a small top-up, use the same grade and spec as the oil already in the engine. Avoid mixing different grades.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
