All about the oil level in the engine. Accurate check of engine oil level

26.09.2019

The efficient operation of a car engine depends on the timely and proper lubrication of moving parts. Every year, design engineers try to improve the lubrication system, modernize it and introduce new parts that improve performance. An important factor in this is the quantity, quality and frequency of engine oil changes. Checking its level is easy.

How much to fill

For high-quality lubrication of all engine components of passenger cars of the domestic auto industry, about 4 liters of oil are required. This value is average and is applicable for engines with a volume of 1.8–2.4 liters. In the case of power units of a larger volume of lubrication, accordingly, more will be required.

Most experts recommend pouring about 3.5 liters into the engine, and then determine the oil level with a dipstick. If it is not enough, then add another 200-250 grams and re-measure. Repeat the procedure until the required rate is filled.

For foreign-made passenger cars with engines up to 2.4 liters, approximately 4.2–4.3 liters of lubricant are required. At the same time, you do not need to buy all five liters - four is enough. This is explained by the fact that it is unrealistic to completely drain the used oil: a small amount of it will still remain in the system, respectively, when filling in a new one, the required level will be reached.

When to check the level

Checking the amount of lubricant remaining in the engine is carried out in several cases:

By the number of kilometers travelled. For each car model, the manufacturer gives his recommendations, but despite this, it is advisable to check it every 1-2 thousand kilometers;
After a certain time period. For example, every week, even if the car was practically not driven out: there is a possibility of leaks, failure of hose joints, seals and gaskets;
Before traveling long distances;
After a long idle time of the car or when buying it from hand;
The appearance of problems in the operation of the engine: third-party noises, knocks, sounds, an unpleasant smell of exhaust gases or in the cabin, a decrease / increase in traction, pressure;
In the event of a sudden change in the coolant level;
If an oil puddle has formed under the car after parking, all measurements must be taken.

It is worth considering the age of the car: the larger it is, the more often it is necessary to check the level.

How to check: the nuances of work

As a standard, the level is measured only on a cold engine. This is done so that the lubricant has time to completely drain into the sump - only if this condition is met, we can talk about an accurate measurement of the volume. If you check it immediately after the engine is turned off, then the level of the lubricant will be much lower than it actually is. Therefore, the motor is given at least half an hour to cool down and only then proceed to this procedure.

Despite this, there is an opinion that at negative ambient temperatures it is necessary to check the amount of oil immediately after the engine has been idling for several minutes. This is done to liquefy the composition. However, lubricant manufacturers do not adhere to such a theory.

There are several basic rules for checking the oil level:

The vehicle must be parked on a level surface in a strictly horizontal position. Any deviation of the relief can lead to the fact that the liquid in the sump will also be in an inclined state, respectively, the measurements will be inaccurate - either more or less than the real ones;
The procedure is carried out only on a cold engine. After the trip, the car is given at least half an hour to cool and drain the oil into the sump.

The lubricant level is checked as follows:

The hood of the car opens. The latch for opening it is located either on the driver's side or next to the steering wheel. There is also an additional lock on the hood - it can be snapped off with a finger;
A dipstick is located near the cylinder block. In most car models, it stands out in a bright color, so it is difficult to confuse or not find it. The measuring device is carefully removed from the socket - you do not need to pull it so as not to break it, otherwise you will have to buy a new part, but it costs a lot of money;
The probe is made of both metal and plastic, although the second option is extremely rare. The length of the part is 30-40 cm, with its lower part it reaches the oil in the pan. The probe is carefully wiped with a dry soft cloth, after which it is again placed in the socket and removed;
There are marks on the surface of the device: stripes, dots or holes. The lower one indicates the minimum level, the upper one, respectively, the maximum. The normal level of the lubricant should be either between the marks, or closer to the top. The norm is considered even if the volume is slightly below average. Oil is added only if its level has dropped to the minimum mark. It is also not worth transfusing it, otherwise it will lead to problems in the operation of the engine;
At the end of the procedure, the screw is removed back into the nest.

The procedure for checking the engine oil level is described in more detail in the video:

Control plug

On some models of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, dipsticks are not provided. The check is carried out in a different way and takes more time: the lubricant volume is only set, but not measured.

In such gearboxes, special “overflow systems” are installed, the design of which includes a special tube attached to the drain hole of the pallet, and a control plug that closes the hole in this tube.

The required oil level is determined by the height of the tube. Excess grease located above the upper hole of the tube is drained when the control plug is unscrewed.

A similar system was created in order to protect the car engine from oil overflow during replacement. Despite its advantage, it creates many problems for the car owner, since it is impossible to measure the amount of lubricant in the usual way.

To check the fluid level with such a system, you must:

Drive the car onto a lift or raise it with jacks in a horizontal position;
Unscrew the control plug. During this procedure, a small amount of oil may spill out, the color of which determines the level of contamination of the agent and the need to replace it;
About 100–200 grams of pure oil is added to the filler neck. Grease is added until it starts to drip from the drain hole - this means that the required level has been reached.

The complex procedure for self-checking and replacing engine oil forces car owners to apply for such a service to car centers that set the required amount of lubricant and regularly replace it - about once a year. Such a solution, of course, leads to an increase in the cost of transport operation, but saves the owner from unnecessary problems.

Sensor

Modern car models are not equipped with a dipstick for checking the lubrication level, but with an oil level sensor. Despite the fact that the probe is included in the design, it is used mainly when pouring a new agent. The oil sensor itself is located near the oil filter.

Various types of sensors are installed on cars - thermal, float and ultrasonic.

The simplest in design are mechanical, they are also installed most often. The principle of operation of such a device is based on the opening and closing of the switch, in some models direct contact with the switch or a magnetic mechanism is used. Such devices function mainly with oils with a high level of viscosity.

In thermal sensors, measurements are carried out with a wire heated during operation. Ultrasonic models capture the necessary data due to ultrasonic pulses that are reflected from the surface of the lubricant.

Varieties of sensors

Float DUM

It has the simplest design: a float moving along a vertically located pipe. It contains a contact controlled by magnets, the magnet itself is in a float. The contact is activated at the moment the magnet approaches it, signaling a low level of engine oil. The control circuit is closed by actuating the contact, after which a signal is generated that broadcasts an alert to the dashboard. Such a sensor works only at a certain point, which significantly limits its scope.

Thermal

The most common type of sensors. The operation of this device is based on short-term heating of a special wire to a temperature maximum and its subsequent cooling to the temperature of the lubricant. The oil level in the system is calculated based on the amount of time spent cooling the wire: the faster it cools, the more lubrication.

Some devices measure not only the volume of oil, but also its temperature. To do this, an additional temperature sensor is installed, the signals of which, along with the oil signal, are transmitted to the dashboard.

Electrothermal

One of the varieties of a thermal device differs from it in the use of wire with high temperature resistance. The element is heated by passing a current through it, while the resistance is calculated based on how much of the wire is immersed in oil. The greater the level of lubrication, the lower the resistance.

Ultrasonic

Sensors of this type measure regardless of its viscosity and quality. The principle of operation of the device is based on the radiation of high frequency waves, which are reflected on the measuring element from the surface of the lubricant.

Data obtained may vary depending on evaporation, vibration, foaming, and changes in engine oil concentration. The sound wave sent by the device is often interrupted by the appearance of foam and vibrations, as a result of which the received data is severely distorted. Chemical fumes, condensate and fumes can also change readings.

To obtain correct data, it is necessary to install the sensor correctly: it must be mounted in a place that is protected from external influences, for example, on welded structures.

The presence of special indicators on the dashboard allows the ultrasonic sensor to provide a graphical indication of the oil level.

Sensor Diagnostics

If malfunctions are detected in the operation of the DUM, the light on the dashboard is first checked. Then the cause of the problem is determined. The most common are considered to be a low level of lubricating fluid, malfunctions in the operation of the power unit and improper connection of devices.

Diagnostics of the oil sensor is carried out in the inspection hole. The car is driven into the pit, protection is removed from it. The wires are disconnected from the sensor and the ignition is turned on, then the voltage between the connecting block and the “ground” is measured. This indicator should be around 12 V.

If there is no voltage or it is below normal, then the reason lies in poor circuit contact, a broken wiring, or a malfunction of the display unit.

Replacing a defective

Installing a new DUM is easy - it does not require special equipment or tools. You can carry out the entire procedure yourself, without resorting to the services of car dealerships and masters.

The car is driven into a viewing hole for easy access to the bottom;
The ignition is turned on, the negative wire is removed from the battery. It is advisable to let the car cool down, since contact with hot oil is not the most pleasant;
Protection is removed from the engine;
The wires connected to the oil level sensor are removed;
All dirt is removed from the body of the DUMA with a soft clean rag;
The sensor mounts are unscrewed with a 10 key;
The device is removed from its place by slightly rocking from side to side. This must be done carefully, because with a sharp movement you can damage the float;
The new device is installed in the vacated place;
All parts are assembled in reverse order. At the same time, you can inspect other components and assemblies of the car.

High engine oil level: causes and consequences

Many drivers are taught in driving schools to check this indicator before each trip. Lack of lubricating fluid can lead to malfunctions in the motor. However, an excessive level also threatens not with the most pleasant consequences.

Causes

Before changing the oil, it is advisable to take into account the recommendations that the manufacturer gives for a particular type of engine. Such values are averaged, since much depends on the characteristics of the motor fluid. Despite this, the required level must be within these limits.

The conditions for changing the oil are also taken into account. When the engine is cold, the level will be lower than when it is warm. If the oil level is too high, the vehicle may be leaning to one side, which will lead to an overflow.

Depressurization of the fuel pump gasket can also affect the amount of lubricant: fuel can flow through it, which, mixing with oil, raises its level above the permissible level. To identify such a nuisance is simple: just remove the dipstick and smell the grease. When mixed with fuel, it will have a characteristic odor.

Consequences

Too high engine oil level can lead to not the most pleasant consequences:

Fuel overrun. The main sign that signals a high level of motor fluid;
Formation in the combustion chamber and on the pistons of carbon deposits;
Clogged and broken muffler;
Exhaust gases of a black shade with an unpleasant smell. If the oil level is high, the engine warms up only when the garage door is open, otherwise the driver may get carbon monoxide poisoning;
Increased consumption of lubricating fluid;
Excessive pressure pushing valve seals;
Filling candles with oil and their quick failure.

How to eliminate the consequences

If the level of engine fluid is above normal, then it must be reduced in order to prevent problems with the car engine. This problem can be eliminated by draining excess oil using a hose or through the drain neck.

Pumping out excess oil with a hose

To drain excess grease, prepare a container and hose.

The hood of the car opens and the filler neck is located. It is located in the center of the engine compartment;
A simple rubber hose is inserted into the neck, through which excess oil is drained into the prepared container;
The dipstick checks the lubrication level. If necessary, the liquid is pumped out until the normal level is reached.

Pumping out excess oil through the drain neck

This method is, in fact, a complete replacement of engine oil and is a complete drain of the old and filling in new to a normal volume. This will require a spanner wrench and a container into which the waste liquid will be drained. The car is driven into a pit or overpass and left to cool. After the engine has cooled down, you can proceed with the replacement procedure:

The hood opens and the filler cap is removed;
There is a drain plug under the engine;
The container is placed under the drain hole;
The cork is carefully unscrewed with a spanner wrench;
The engine with the plug unscrewed is left for half an hour to completely drain the oil;
The cork returns to its place. It is desirable to tighten it with a torque wrench with an optimal tightening force of 25 nm;
New grease is poured into the filler neck in the required volume recommended by the manufacturer. The fluid level is checked with a dipstick.

double level

The main reason for the double level of the lubricant in the engine is the ingress of third-party liquids into it. Signs of this may be a change in the color of the exhaust gases, a darkening of the antifreeze, a change in the consistency and shade of the oil itself - for example, to the color of coffee with foam.

Causes

The main reasons are wear and failure of oil seals or engine injectors, gasket defects. It is difficult to visually determine the root cause - for this, as a rule, an analysis of the engine and its components is carried out, followed by their verification.

Consequences

Increased oil consumption;
Engine thrust reduction;
Increased fuel consumption;
Discoloration of exhaust gases;
Failure of the car engine.

Debugg

Unfortunately, it is not easy to cope with a double level of lubricating fluid: diagnostics of engine components are required and, in case of their malfunction, a complete replacement of parts. It is mandatory to check the integrity of seals, seals and gaskets, it is also advisable to take the nozzles for diagnostics to a car service, and they are checked for leaks on a special stand under voltage.

Low oil level or its complete absence

Low engine oil is one of the most common causes of engine failure.

Causes

Since many motors "eat" extremely small amounts of oil, leaks are the main reason for lowering its level. The valve cover or crankcase may be leaking due to damage.

Less commonly, you may encounter a leak in the seals of the camshaft, crankshaft or other shafts.

Consequences

A decrease in the oil level leads to the need to constantly add it to the tank, which causes wear on the connecting rods, main bearings and connecting rod rings. As a result, all this can lead to the destruction of the engine and its overhaul or complete replacement.

elimination

To increase the oil level in the engine, it is enough to find the cause of its leakage. Often this can be damage to certain parts, due to which the lubricant flows out. They are replaced and filled with liquid to the desired level.

How to add oil correctly

Timely topping up of engine oil allows you to extend the life of the power unit and prevent its malfunctions. It is necessary to carry out such a procedure very carefully and carefully: it is better to underfill a little once again than to overfill.

Grease is added only to a warm engine: on a cold one, when measuring the oil, its level will be lower, on a hot one, on the contrary, it will be too high, which can cause the wrong volume to be filled. It is also worth adding only the liquid that is already in use or recommended by the manufacturer. It is impossible to mix different brands and types of oil: this can lead to serious malfunctions and breakdowns of the power unit.

Filling in the lubricant is very simple: the hood of the car is opened, the cap is removed from the filler neck and the level is checked. Using a funnel, the required amount of lubricant is poured, then its volume is checked again with a dipstick. Upon reaching the required level, the filler cap is returned to its place, the dipstick is removed and the hood is closed.

Timely check and replacement of engine oil allows you to prevent various malfunctions of the car engine, extend its service life and determine the causes of its breakdown. You can replace the lubricant yourself, the main thing is to know how to do it correctly.

Regularly checking the oil in a car engine with a dipstick is an important procedure that is necessary to maintain the power unit in normal operating condition. This is one of the simplest manipulations that every motorist can independently perform in order to avoid costly overhauls. It is especially important to check the engine oil level before long trips, in which the engine will work most intensively.

What should all motorists know about oil levels?

You should definitely know where the dipstick is to check the oil level. This can be found in the owner's manual of the vehicle. Automakers recommend checking the oil level on a cold engine, while others advise doing this after warming up. To know exactly how to check the oil on your car, check the owner's manual for your particular car.

When checking, the oil should be in the oil pan, not in the power unit. Immediately after the trip, the oil level on the dipstick will be incorrect (lower than in reality), so you need to wait a bit - up to 10 minutes. the oil will gradually drain down, and you can find out the exact value.

In cold weather, it is better to take a short trip so that the oil warms up a little and becomes more liquid. Note that synthetic lubricants expand more than mineral oils after heating, so when using it, it is better to check the level with non-hot oil, but not completely cold.

How to find the probe?

Now let's take a closer look at how to properly check the oil level in the engine. To get accurate readings, you need to follow a certain algorithm, which is the same for all cars.

To properly check the oil in the engine, you need to park the car on a level base - in this case, the lubricant will be evenly distributed over the surface of the sump. Otherwise, you may receive inaccurate data.

Open the hood and find the oil dipstick. On many machines, its handle is colored red, yellow, or orange. On some vehicles, such as Ford or Honda, the dipstick is built into the top of the valve cover.

On cars with automatic transmission, there are always two oil dipsticks:

the first is to check the level of lubrication in the engine;
the second is for the gearbox oil.

The automatic transmission dipstick is located at the rear under the hood, usually on the driver's side. It is inserted into a special tube of a larger diameter. Transmission fluid is reddish or pink in color. Do not confuse it with a motor one when you fill in a new lubricant, as this will lead to serious financial costs.

Checking the level correctly

Now let's take a closer look at how to properly check the oil level in the engine? The length of the probes usually varies between 30-90 cm, and to obtain the desired readings, you need to inspect the tip. Pull the dipstick out slowly, holding it with a paper towel to avoid getting dirty.

When pulling out the probes, do not turn it and do not pull it too quickly - the effort required is negligible. After the tip comes out of the dipstick, evaluate the condition of the lubricant.

By the consistency and color of the oil, you can understand the degree of its deterioration. For example, if the liquid has a yellowish, but not very dark tint, the oil is still normal, and if it has turned black, it is better to replace it as soon as possible. Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe the grease from the handpiece. You will understand what oil level should be on the dipstick by the marks printed on its surface.

Insert a clean dipstick back and after a few seconds pull it out again - you will see the exact oil level in the system. At the end there should be two marks:

one corresponds to the minimum level;
second maximum.

The minimum point is located closer to the edge. When the system is correctly filled with lubricating fluid, the level should be approximately halfway between the marks. If a low oil level is detected in the engine, the consequences can be very unpleasant, so add new lubricant as soon as possible.

If the level exceeds the maximum mark or is located strictly near it, it is better to drain some oil to avoid pressure rising to critical levels. In this case, leaks may occur or seals may be squeezed out.

How to add oil?

We figured out how to correctly measure the oil level in the engine, but you also need to know how to add it to the desired level if there is too little lubricant in the system. First of all, decide what brand of oil is poured into your engine. Do not mix two different oils, but rather read the owner's manual and always fill in the lubricants recommended by the automaker.

Find the oil filler neck in the engine compartment. It should have the inscription Oil Fill, and sometimes manufacturers print the type of recommended oil on it. For example, if there is a marking on the cap, it is this oil that should be poured into the engine.

Unscrew the lid, insert the funnel and pour the oil from the canister. Be careful not to spill it, otherwise the oil will smell bad when burned and may even catch fire. It is necessary to fill in the lubricating fluid in small portions so that the oil has time to drain into the sump. At the same time, control its level and do not allow overflow above the level on the dipstick.

In order to keep your car in perfect condition, it is important to know how to check the engine oil level. This is a mandatory and fairly simple part of the service of any car, and any, even inexperienced, motorist can handle it. This is especially important when you are planning a long journey, because it is in such situations that the engine is under the greatest stress.

In particular, this skill is necessary for owners of used cars, since very often, for various reasons, the lubricant in them is consumed much faster.

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We check correctly

Basic rules for checking the oil level:

Tools

rags;
gloves;
pointer.

Stages

It is necessary to constantly check the level of the lubricating mixture in the car in order to keep it in working condition and extend its life. This is the simplest and at the same time one of the most important stages of those. car service, which is available to any car owner. To do everything correctly, we will describe the whole process in detail and in stages.

When to start checking?

The instructions that come with the car often indicate that the level of the lubricating mixture must be checked when the engine is cold. Because she must have time to completely escape into the pan. Otherwise, if not all the grease drains into the sump, the certain level will be much lower than the real one, since the level is checked specifically in the sump. If the check is carried out after the trip, you need to wait a while so that it has time to drain.

But if the weather is cold, it is recommended to start the car for a while, and then turn it off and wait twenty minutes. This is done so that the oil has time to thin out (in extreme cold, it thickens, which will lead to incorrect values \u200b\u200bduring the test).

Finding where the pointer is located

On the pointer (a tool used during lubrication checks) of most cars, there are 2 pairs of marks, according to which you can measure the level of the lubricating mixture both on a cold and on a hot engine. Usually these are labels "Hot" and "Cold".

First, place the machine on a level surface. In order for the readings to be accurate, you need to make sure that the oil will not overflow onto any of the sides of the sump, which will give incorrect readings. Try to park the machine on a level, level road. If the machine is installed on a slope, then the data will be false, the oil level will be too high or, on the contrary, too low.

The first step is to open the hood. To do this, you need to find the latch. It is located in the driver's seat on the left - traditionally in the form of a small lever, pulling which should hear a typical click. Then we get out of the car, the hood should open slightly and a small gap will appear between it and the car body. If you find that something is holding the cover, stick your fingers into this gap, find a small lever and pull, the hood will open. Access to the engine compartment is free. Some new models of cars are equipped with a hood locking system, but on others you need to fix the cover with a specially provided rod located on the side of the hood.

The probe handle may be orange or yellow, depending on the model. The shape can be either round or rectangular. It is inserted into the cylinder block.

Some models equipped with an automatic transmission have two indicators under the hood. One is designed to check the lubricating mixture of the power unit, and the other is to check the transmission fluid of the box. In order not to confuse them, it must be borne in mind that the indicator for automatic transmission in most cases is located on the back of the engine compartment or away from it, and it is much longer than the engine oil indicator. The transmission fluid indicator pen is usually painted pink or red, it is very important not to confuse these dipsticks and not accidentally pour engine lubricant into the automatic transmission and vice versa - automatic transmission oil into the engine - this can disable these units, and their restoration will cost a lot.

Checking the oil level

Having determined where the probe is located (usually it is about thirty centimeters long), slowly pull it out. It usually comes out easily, but sometimes it can take some effort.

After pulling out the pointer, carefully consider what color and quality the oil is. Experienced mechanics by color and consistency can correctly determine its age, condition and other aspects of the efficiency of the motor. Engine lubricant, which is in good condition and does not need to be replaced, has a yellow-brown tint. If the grease is black and opaque, then it must be changed immediately.

When the dipstick is removed, wipe it with a rag.

Next, insert it again into the hole where you pulled it out, until the very end. When you pull out the meter for the first time, you cannot determine the amount of oil, but you can only judge its quality, because it is covered in oil. Now, after wiping it and installing it back into the hole, take it out. Now you can check the level of the lubricant mixture. At the tip of the pointer there are marks that correspond to the maximum and minimum liquid levels in the pan. The minimum mark is applied closer to the end of the pointer, and the maximum is a few centimeters higher. If the meter is dirty approximately in the middle between these marks, then this indicates a normal level of the lubricating mixture in your motor.

If the level is below the "MINIMUM" mark, then you need to immediately add fluid. If “MAXIMUM” is higher, then on the contrary, pump out. An excess of lubricant in the motor is just as dangerous as a lack.

That's basically all, now you can independently and correctly measure the level of the lubricating mixture in your engine.

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Video "Measuring the oil level on a Subaru"

This video, using the example of a Subaru car, shows how to properly measure the level of engine lubrication.

Good day, friends! We continue the series of publications related to engine maintenance. Every car owner knows for sure how important a timely oil change is. However, in addition to the scheduled replacement, which usually occurs every 10 thousand kilometers, it may be necessary to add oil to the system. Can you remember the last time you checked it? So, today we will talk about how and how often you need to check the oil in the engine of your car.

A low level of lubrication in the engine should be a signal for immediate action to be taken to correct the situation. Working parts and elements are subject to increased wear in cases where they are not covered with a sufficient amount of lubricant on all sides. All this threatens to lead to the need for early overhaul, and this, in turn, is a considerable expense.

Here is a video for you once again confirming the need to check the oil. Here, engine diagnostics is the “oil spot” method.

Experienced motorists know that the oil in the system should be checked at least once every 2 weeks of operation. Even if the vehicle has stood in the garage, this does not mean that the amount of lubricant remains unchanged in it. It inevitably leaks through various connecting fasteners, clamps, etc., as well as subsequent evaporation. Therefore, regular monitoring of the condition will prevent premature wear of the elements of the piston group. Especially dangerous is the operation of a car with a lack of lubrication for lovers of sharp and dynamic driving or those who live in mountainous areas.
Even excess oil can be fraught with certain dangers. In this case, the excess penetrates into the cylinders and the crankcase ventilation system. Many cars today are equipped with a catalytic converter. An excess of oil will necessarily end up with the burnt fuel in the exhaust gases. Subsequently, this can lead to a breakdown of the catalytic converter and the need to replace it.

How measurements are made - step by step algorithm

So, let's take a look from a practical point of view, how exactly the oil level is checked in stages:

If the car has just been used, then it is necessary to turn off the engine and let it cool for 10-15 minutes, since the check is done on a cold engine, or at least cooled down.
After the oil has drained into the crankcase, you can open the hood. An oil dipstick is located near the cylinder head, with the help of which measurements are made.
It must be removed and wiped dry with any piece of clean rag prepared for this purpose in advance. This is done in order to remove traces of old oil, which will not make it possible to objectively assess the amount of lubricant in the engine system.
After that, the probe is set all the way to its previous position and after a couple of seconds it can be removed outward. During this time, the oil should leave a control trace.
It remains to assess the level of lubrication in the system, or rather, its volume. Each probe has two marks, which are marked "min" and "max", respectively. Correctly, when the track will be located between these 2 marks. If it is above the max level, then there is an excess of lubrication in the system, if it is below the min level, then it is not enough, and you will need to top up.

Someone might ask, is it possible to check the oil level on a hot engine? In some cars, manufacturers have taken care of this possibility. For these purposes, the marks "cold" and "hot" are provided, which indicate that in cold and hot modes the control measurement will show different results.

Why is the lubricant in the engine foaming or blistering?

Another typical situation that many car owners have encountered is oil bubbling or foaming on the dipstick. One of the most dangerous reasons for this is a leak in the cooling system. In other words, the coolant began to enter the lubrication system, where it mixed with the oil. This phenomenon occurs due to the fact that the cylinder head gasket has been pierced or worn excessively. Thus, it ceased to fulfill its protective and sealing functions.

When the protective ring breaks, the antifreeze penetrates into the combustion chamber of the working mixture, and from there it enters the crankcase. As soon as the mixing of the coolant and oil occurs, the latter begins to foam, from which the dipstick during the control measurement becomes covered with bubbles. Another confirmation of this fact is a decrease in compression in the engine, which is especially noticeable in winter or on a cold engine.
However, the same situation can manifest itself if you used one type of oil, and then switched to another, but did not flush the engine well enough. That is why in these cases it is strongly recommended to make a thorough flushing using special tools. Otherwise, the lubricant will lose some of its special properties, and it will have to be changed ahead of schedule.

Thus, friends, today you were able to make sure of the need to regularly check the quality of the oil and its presence in the system in sufficient volume. You can not rely solely on the readings of the sensors. Regular care and monitoring of the condition of the engine will guarantee its trouble-free operation. Subscribe to our updates to receive more useful information from the field of auto topics. Bye!

Checking your car's oil level regularly is vital to keeping it in top condition. This is one of the easiest car maintenance procedures to perform and should be done regularly, especially before long trips, as this is when the engine is running at its most intense. You should learn the location of all engine bay sensors, learn how to diagnose oil-related problems and how to solve them.

Steps

Part 1

Find a dipstick

Please refer to the user manual. Mobil One and other oil manufacturers recommend checking the engine oil level before driving while it is still cold. However, some manufacturers recommend doing this after the engine has warmed up, so it's worth reading the owner's manual and finding recommendations for your car in it. All oil during the level check should be in the oil pan, and not in the engine, as happens while the car is moving. Immediately after driving, the dipstick will show a low oil level, as a result of which there is a possibility of overfilling when adding oil. If you want to check the oil level immediately after driving, then you should wait five to ten minutes before this procedure until the oil drains into the oil pan.

In very cold weather, it's a good idea to drive the car for a bit to warm up the oil a bit and make it less viscous. Before checking the level, let the engine run for a few minutes and then allow it to cool for five minutes.
Many people disagree on the correctness of checking with a hot or cold engine. Some manufacturers recommend testing engine oil when it is hot, and this method works great if you know which line on the dipstick to look for. When the oil is cold, the level mark will be below the “minimum”, however, when the vehicle is moving, the oil will begin to expand as the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Synthetic oil expands more than “regular” oil at high temperatures, so when using synthetic oil, you can get a more accurate result when checking the level in a cold engine. If in any doubt, consult your mechanic.

Park the car on a flat, smooth surface. To get accurate readings, you need to be sure that the oil is evenly distributed over the surface of the sump, and failure to do this may give you inaccurate data. Try to find a relatively flat surface to park and check the oil level.

Raise the hood. The hood release handle is usually located near the driver's foot on the side of the door. Pull or push this handle, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Then you need to get out of the car and look for a latch under the front of the hood, which is usually located in its center, and sometimes slightly shifted to the side. Pull it up and raise the hood to check the engine.
- On some vehicles, the hood stays up on its own, while others require a support rod, which is usually folded down on the front or side of the engine compartment. Raise the rod, insert it into the place provided for this (it should be located on the open hood) and release the hood.
Find the oil dipstick. Most vehicles have a red, orange, or yellow plastic tip on the dipstick. It is made in the form of a round or rectangular loop that protrudes from the engine block on one of its sides. In some vehicles, such as Honda and some Ford models, the dipstick is built right into the top of the valve cover. The oil dipstick is usually located on the passenger side or in the front of the engine compartment and has a dipstick receptacle about the diameter of a pencil.
- In most cars, oil dipsticks are marked with an old oil lamp symbol (similar to the lamp from the well-known genie story). After finding the location of the dipstick, you can begin to remove it and check the oil level.
- Most automatic transmission vehicles have two dipsticks, one for checking the engine oil level and one for checking the gearbox oil. The dipstick for the transmission is located at the rear of the engine compartment on the driver's side and is inserted into a slightly larger diameter tube. Transmission fluid is red or pink in color. Do not confuse these two completely different liquids when filling, because such carelessness can cost you serious financial expenses.
Arm yourself with paper towels or old rags. When checking the oil level, it is important to always have a few paper towels or some kind of cloth on hand that can be used to wipe the dipstick or check the consistency of the oil. Paper towels tend to work best for this purpose, as they have a contrasting white background to show the color of the oil more closely. They also come in handy for wiping hands.

Part 2
Oil check
Remove the dipstick. The length of the probe in most cases ranges from 30 to 90 centimeters, and in order to obtain the desired readings, you need to study its tip. Pull the dipstick slowly while holding a paper towel near the probe port as you pull it out to blot excess oil and prevent splashing.

When pulling out most oil dipsticks, you don't need to pull or twist it too much, but in some situations you will need to apply a little force to remove it. Once the tip is out of the probe holder, the rest of the probe should come out fairly easily. Do not apply excessive force.

Examine the color and condition of the oil. The color and consistency of the engine oil can indicate wear and tear, as well as other engine performance issues that may require immediate attention. By pulling out the dipstick, you can immediately determine the condition of the engine oil. Non-replacement engine oil on a rag is a slightly yellowish-greenish color and should not be too dark. Wipe the oil from the end of the dipstick and examine the remaining mark on the rag.

As it becomes dirty, the oil will change its color from gold or amber to brown and black, as more and more particles from the engine gradually begin to enter it during the friction process. Metal chips and individual particles gradually scratch the walls of the engine cylinders throughout the entire period of operation, so the oil must be changed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and at the service intervals specified by him (check the instruction manual or service book and find the service interval for your car in it ).
Learn color. Is the oil watery or thick? Is it black or dark? If these signs are present, you should drive the car to a car service for an oil change or do it yourself.

Wipe the dipstick and put it back in the dipstick. When you first remove the dipstick, you will not be able to get objective information about the oil level, since all its divisions are filled in as the car moves. After pulling out the dipstick and examining the color of the oil, wipe its end and insert it back into the hole, and then immediately pull it back to take an accurate reading.

Check the oil level. At the end of most dipsticks there are two small dots, one of which corresponds to the maximum oil level in the oil pan, and the other, respectively, to the minimum. The minimum point is closer to the tip of the stylus, and the maximum is located approximately 2.5 cm from the minimum above the stylus. When the engine is properly filled with oil, the level should be approximately halfway between these two points.

The "minimum" oil level must not be in the immediate vicinity of the minimum point. If the oil level is between the minimum point and the tip of the dipstick, then you should immediately add oil.
The oil level should never exceed the maximum fill mark, however, when the engine warms up, this value may be close to the maximum. In this case, you will need to drain some of the excess oil from the engine.

Part 3

Topping up oil

Read the user manual. Before starting the procedure, you need to determine the brand of oil required for your car. This is very important to do, since the type of oil can vary in the same car models and even depend on the time of year. It is very unwise to mix two different types of oil, so you should carefully study the owner's manual or have your local mechanic fill the car with oil.

You can also find out the type of oil your car requires by talking to the staff at one of the auto parts stores. Based on the make and model of the car, they must find the right oil for you, or you can find out by reading a specific section of the owner's manual on your own.

Locate the oil filler cap, which is located at the top of the engine. This cap is usually clearly marked "Oil Fill" and is sometimes printed with the type of engine oil used in your engine. When marked, for example 5W30, you will always know the required type of oil to be filled. Remove the lid, wipe it with a paper towel or cloth, and insert a clean funnel into the opening.

You must use a funnel when pouring oil into the engine, otherwise there is a risk of spilling it on the engine block, which, when burned, will give a terrible smell and possibly more serious problems.

Pour in a suitable oil in small batches. It is important to allow extra time for the oil to drain into the sump. You should fill the funnel in one sharp movement and then add oil as it decreases into the engine. Avoid overflowing over the edge of the funnel.

Don't panic if you do manage to spill some oil into the engine bay. Spilled oil is not very dangerous, although it can smell bad and smoke when the engine is very hot. Try to wipe off as much of it as possible with a rag or towel.