Taking care of your engine lubrication is critical to prolonging its life; thus, this post by AED Marketing Inc. in Pasadena will take you through the steps to check the oil levels on your machine.

Why You Should Check The Oil Levels of Your Engine Regularly

Your vehicle wouldn't be able to run for long without oil, which is why this fluid is also known as its lifeblood. As you may already know, the primary function of oil is to lubricate your engine. When you start your vehicle, oil is pumped from its reservoir to lubricate the valve train, bearings, and pistons. An interesting thing to note about engine oil is it plays other functions besides lubricating the engine's moving parts; for instance, did you know that it assists the cooling system? As it circulates through the hotter parts of the engine, the oil absorbs and carries the heat to the cooler areas. Another less known contribution of oil is that it keeps the engine free of corrosion and impurities due to its detergent additives. Having gone over the functions of motor oil, it goes without saying that overlooking its levels could trigger severe problems and even irreversible damage under the hood; that's why it's vital to keep your oil reservoir always topped off. If you've never measured your engine oil levels before, keep reading this post by AED Marketing Inc. to learn how to perform this preventive procedure.

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How to Check Oil Levels

First, Take The Following Pre-Check Steps

1. Since this procedure is simple, all you need is your owner's manual and paper towels or a piece of cloth (preferably white).
2. Find a flat surface where you can park your car to get an accurate reading. If the road where you live is sloped as well as your driveway, park your vehicle at the nearest gas station and perform the oil reading there.
3. Make sure your engine temperature is safe to the touch whenever you check its oil levels.

Locate the Dipstick and Clean It

The first step is to find the dipstick. It usually stands out among the other components because its handle is yellow. If you have trouble finding it, consult your owner's manual. Next, remove the dipstick and use the cloth or paper towels to wipe off any oil residue. When doing so, pay attention to the markings on the dipstick tip, as these indicators will tell you the oil level.

Insert the Dipstick Back

Insert the dipstick into the tube once it's clean and free of oily residue; then, wait a few seconds for the fluid to settle around it.

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Pull the Dipstick Out and Check Its Oil Levels

The next thing to do is to remove the dipstick from the tube; when doing so, avoid tilting it, as this could cause the oil to slide along the stick's surface, resulting in an inaccurate reading. Instead, hold the dipstick with the tip pointing to the ground until you get the oil reading. Next, take a look at the marks on the dipstick and determine how far the oil reaches. Ideally, the fluid level should be between the two marks; if it is, your engine is adequately lubricated. If your oil barely exceeds the lower mark, refill the reservoir and keep an eye on your levels more often as you may have an internal leak. On the other hand, call your mechanic if the oil levels exceed the highest mark on the dipstick, as this usually occurs due to coolant leaks or condensation of water or fuel inside the engine.

Finally, Check the Oil Condition

Checking oil levels is an excellent opportunity to inspect the color and consistency of the fluid. Start by checking the color of the oil residue left on the paper towels or piece of cloth you used to clean the dipstick. Ideally, the fluid color should be amber; or, in some cases, dark brown if used for a long time. As for the texture, make sure the oil is cool enough to touch; then, take a sample of the dipstick and rub it between your fingers. Ideally, it should feel slick and thin. If the oil feels gritty or its color is completely black, call your mechanic to get a professional assessment as soon as possible, as such conditions indicate severe issues under the hood.

Aside from learning how to check the oil levels on your engine, take good care of your car by feeding it with the top synthetic oil in Pasadena. Call AED Marketing Inc. at (281) 507-8721 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for top-shelf formulas for your engine.