How to check your car's oil level

17 September 2024

Checking the oil level in your car’s engine is one of the simplest car maintenance tasks you can perform and one of the most important, especially as your vehicle ages and the engine experiences more wear and tear.

Oil levels can run low in between services and because you run the risk of engine seizure if you run out, it’s recommended you check your oil at least once a month.

Follow these three steps to correctly check, and, if needed, top up your car’s engine oil:

1. Get on level ground with the engine off

To get an accurate reading of the oil level, make sure the car is on flat ground, not on an incline. For safety reasons, your car’s engine should also be off.

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2. Locate the dipstick and check the oil level

the bonnet release latch inside your car and then, with the bonnet up and safely clipped into place, look for the oil dipstick handle. This is often yellow or another bright colour and will probably be in the shape of a small ring you put your finger through.

Remove the dipstick and wipe the end of it clean with a cloth or paper towel, then reinsert it fully. Remove it again to check the oil level against the high and low oil levels marks on the dipstick. The level should be between the two marks, preferably closer to the high mark.

If your oil is low (closer to the low level mark), you’ll need to top it up. If you’re unsure what type of oil your car needs, check your owner’s manual for the correct grade of oil. Taking note of the colour of the oil on the dipstick is also a good idea. It should have a light golden-brown colour and be clean. If the oil is a darker colour, you may need to have the oil changed by your automotive workshop.

3. Top up your engine oil

To top up your engine oil, push the dipstick back into place, then look for the oil filler cap and remove it. This cap could be a bright colour, or may be black, but it will be marked in a way that enables you to easily recognise that this is where the oil is added to the engine.

Remove the cap and place a funnel into the oil filler reservoir. Slowly begin to pour the oil in. Only pour in small amounts at a time, stopping in between to check and recheck the oil level on the dipstick as described in step one.

Wait between pours before you check the dipstick to allow time for the oil to run down into the engine sump where the oil is held. This ensures you get the most accurate reading of your oil level and avoids overfilling. If you’re unfamiliar with topping up oil, allow some time (30 minutes will be enough) for it all to move down to the sump before you check the level. Not waiting long enough could result in a reading that’s less than the actual amount in the engine, which may lead you to add more unnecessarily.

Once the oil level is at or near the top mark on the dipstick, remove the funnel and wipe it clean, replace the oil filler cap and make sure the dipstick is also back in place. Regular servicing, which includes oil changes, will prolong the life of your engine. Premature engine wear due to lack of servicing is one of the most common preventable repairs that RAC’s Auto Services technicians come across.