How to check your oil levels and add more oil

Modern cars are surprisingly thirsty so do check your oil levels regularly, and top up as required, as running out of oil is seriously bad news for your engine and pocket!

If your engine doesn't have the right amount of oil, it could be seriously damaged, sometimes beyond repair.  Modern cars do have low oil level warning lights but do not rely on this, check the levels yourself regularly.

How to check your oil level

This really is a straightforward and relatively clean job, all you need is a old rag or tissue.

Step 1 - Park on a level surface and have a warm engine
Oil levels should be taken on a level surface from a warm engine (but not hot i.e. if you have been driving for more than 5 mins).

Step 2 - Get an old rag or tissue
You will need this to get an accurate oil level reading

Step 3 - Open your bonnet
Often the release button is inside the car and there is also a safety catch at the bonnet opening that must be pulled. 

Step 4 - Identify your oil dip stick

In the engine there will be a bright (often red, orange or yellow) round handle that can easily be pulled out.  As you pull the handle a long thin metal pole comes out with some metal ribs on the bottom and hopefully it is covered in some oil, this is called your dip stick.  This is a measure of how much oil you have.

Step 5 - Check the oil level is correct
1. Once you have taken out your dip stick, clean it with the rag and replace it back in its hole all the way down.

2. Pull the dipstick back out and look at the bottom of the dip stick

3. There will be two lines etched onto the stick (or a bumpy pattern), these represent the maximum oil level (at the end nearest the handle) and minimum oil level (towards the bottom of the stick).

4. You should see oil (often black coloured on older cars) and it should show halfway between these two lines.

Step 6 - Add oil if required
If the level is low or no oil at all then you must top up your oil as a matter of urgency.

 

Check the level at least once a fortnight, if possible when the engine is warm and the car is on a level surface

How to add more oil

Step 1 - choose the correct oil
Make sure you use the right oil, and the same as what's currently in the engine. Your owner's manual will contain these details.

Step 2 - Find and open the oil filler cap
Find the oil filler cap - it's usually on the top of the engine and marked 'oil' or with a picture of an old fashioned oil canister. Unscrew this carefully and place to one side.

Step 3 - Add a little oil
Pour in a small amount of new oil and recheck the level after 5 minutes with the dipstick as per instructions above.

Step 4 - Add a little more oil as required
Repeat until the level is about halfway between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.

Oil is usually replaced at every service inspection of your car. This is usually once a year or at a maximum of 10,000 miles. Refer to the owners' manual for details.  
 

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