How to: Check Engine Oil Level.

One of most important things one can do in the maintenance and prevention of most automotive problems is routine checking of automotive fluids which should include: Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid (automatic transmission),clutch fluid (manual transmission), Coolant/Radiator fluid, wiper/washer fluid and differential fluid.

It all begins with reading your car manual and knowing what the manufacturer recommends for your particular make and model. Knowing the quantities and specifications of the fluids will allow you to check and refill the fluids properly.

Secondly you need to carry a rug or shop towel to use in wiping the dip sticks when checking the levels.

1. Begin by starting the car and allowing it to run for about two minutes to get all the fluids through their systems.
2. Then you would turn the car off.
3. Pop the hood and prop it open.
4. The engine oil dipstick is located towards the front of the engine on either side and is usually colored yellow or orange in most cases (see figure 1).
5. With the engine off, remove the dipstick and wipe it with the rag, then insert and pull it out again. Look at the base of the dipstick and see where the oil ends. The top oil mark should be between the grated marks stamped or drilled holes on the stick. (If it is unclear as to the top oil level, repeat step #5 and look on both sides of the stick and use the side with the lower mark as the level) (see Figure 2).
6. After checking the level. If you are in need of adding fluid, look for the oil cap on top of the engine. The oil cap is marked with an oil symbol, or just plain says “oil or engine oil” on it (See figure 1). In most cases the oil cap is a screw on. unscrew it and place it to the side. Use a funnel to add the recommended oil little by little while checking the level as you add by following steps # 5.
7. Once finished. Replace the oil cap and oil dipstick, making sure the dipstick and oil cap are both tight and secure.
8. Discard empty motor oil bottles.

CONGRATULATIONS you have just checked your engine oil.

(figure 1) Oil Dipstick and Cap

(Figure 2) Oil level mark

An outside reflection.

I believe that the cars we drive in some way tell the world something about us. We gravitate towards some cars or trucks because of how they look or even the engines they have. But in some cases it is purely monetary on either end of the spectrum. So what then does the car or truck tell others about us? My thought is that the make and model tell of how we see ourselves in the class system, but also how we look or feel like to the world. Accessorizing with tires, light, rims and lift kits dependent on locale reflects on personality, practicality or idiocy in some cases.

We should drive what we want, but we should also take good care of what we have. For what we drive and how we treat it is an outside reflection of our inward selves. So next time you drive your car, think about what it means to you and the journey that got you to where you are now.  Envision positivity and work towards that goal amid the high gas prices and daily hustles.