is one of the simplest things you can do for your car. The oil itself, how it looks, smells and feels, can tell you even more about what is going on inside your engine.
Oil lubricates and cools the moving parts inside your engine. When it runs low or breaks down, those parts wear faster and repairs get expensive. A proper check takes about two minutes.
How to check your oil
Start with the basics:
- Park on level ground with the engine off. If you have been driving, wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
- Push it all the way back in, then pull it out again.
- Read the level. It should sit between the low and high marks.
While the dipstick is out, take a moment to look at the oil, smell it, and rub a little between your fingers. That is where the extra information is.
What the colour tells you
Fresh oil is a clear amber or light brown. As it does its job it darkens, and some darkening is normal. Very dark, thick or gritty oil usually means it is overdue for a change. A milky or creamy colour can be a sign that coolant is getting into the oil, which is worth getting checked sooner rather than later.
What the smell tells you
Healthy oil has a fairly neutral, slightly oily smell. A strong burnt smell can mean the oil has been running too hot or is breaking down. If it smells of petrol or fuel, that can point to fuel mixing with the oil. Either one is worth mentioning to your mechanic.
What the consistency tells you
Rub a little oil between your finger and thumb. It should feel smooth and slippery. Grittiness can mean there are particles in the oil that should not be there. Oil that feels thick and sludgy is usually old and overdue for a change. Oil that feels thin and watery can be a sign it has been diluted.
When to get it looked at
You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself. If the level keeps dropping, the colour looks milky, the oil smells burnt or of fuel, or it feels gritty, book it in and describe what you noticed. Catching it early is almost always cheaper than waiting.
A two minute check like this can flag a problem long before it becomes a breakdown. That is the kind of small habit that keeps you in control of your own car.
More from the workshop
- Meet the team behind it all: Get to know our mechanics
- Read our full story: About Webbie's Mechanical
