Keeping your engine healthy starts with one simple habit: checking your engine oil regularly. Most drivers only check their oil when the warning light comes on — but by then, it’s often too late.
If you want your engine to run smoothly, last longer, and avoid costly damages, you must know how to check your oil the correct way — like a professional mechanic.
In this guide, Bunch Base Motors teaches you the exact steps experts follow to check engine oil properly.
🔧 Why Checking Your Engine Oil Is Important
Your car’s engine relies on oil for:
- Lubrication
- Cooling
- Cleaning
- Reducing friction
- Preventing wear
Low or dirty oil can cause:
- Engine overheating
- Excessive wear
- Poor performance
- Total engine failure
A simple 5-minute check can save you thousands of cedis in repairs.
🕒 How Often Should You Check Your Oil?
Professionals recommend:
- Check weekly if you drive daily
- Check before a long trip
- Check immediately if your engine sounds loud, rough, or feels hot
🛠️ Tools You Need
- Clean white cloth or tissue
- Gloves (optional)
- Good lighting (natural or workshop)
- Level ground (very important)
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Engine Oil Like a Pro
1. Park on a Level Surface
Parking on a slope gives a wrong reading.
Make sure the car is on flat ground.
2. Turn Off the Engine & Let It Cool
Professional mechanics wait 3–5 minutes after switching off the engine.
This allows:
- Oil to settle
- Accurate reading
- Safe handling
3. Open the Bonnet & Locate the Dipstick
Look for:
- A long metal rod with a ring or handle
- Usually yellow, orange, or red
If your car doesn’t have a dipstick (many new models), the oil level is checked electronically.
4. Pull Out the Dipstick & Wipe It Clean
Use your cloth/tissue to remove all oil from the stick.
The first reading is not accurate.
5. Reinsert the Dipstick Fully
Push the dipstick all the way in — if you don’t insert it properly, the reading will be wrong.
6. Pull It Out Again & Check the Oil Level
Look for:
- Two marks: MIN and MAX
- Cross-hatched area showing the safe zone
Oil must be:
- Between MIN and MAX
- Preferably in the upper-middle region
❌ If oil is BELOW MIN → Add oil immediately
❌ If oil is ABOVE MAX → Drain excess (too much oil can damage the engine)
7. Check Oil Condition (Professional Tip)
Mechanics don’t only look at the level — they check the quality.
Signs your oil needs changing:
- Very dark or black
- Thick or muddy
- Smells burnt
- Feels gritty between fingers
Golden-brown to light brown oil = GOOD.
8. Top Up the Oil If Needed
When adding oil:
- Use the correct oil grade for your vehicle
- Add small amounts at a time
- Re-check after each pour
Avoid overfilling — more oil is NOT better.
9. Secure Everything Properly
Before closing the bonnet:
- Dipstick is fully inserted
- Oil cap is tightened
- Tools removed
🧰 Professional Mechanic Tips
- Always check your oil in daylight or use a bright workshop light
- Keep a bottle of your engine’s oil grade in your trunk
- Track oil levels — sudden drops may mean leaks
- Change oil every 5,000–8,000 km depending on your car
- Never ignore an oil pressure warning light
⚠️ Dangers of Driving With Low or Dirty Oil
Driving with bad oil can cause:
- Engine wear
- Loss of power
- Overheating
- Increased fuel consumption
- Total engine failure
This is why major garages emphasize regular oil checks as part of standard maintenance.
📌 Final Thoughts
Checking your engine oil is one of the simplest and smartest habits any driver can develop.
It takes just 5 minutes, requires no special tools, and keeps your engine performing at its best.
At Bunch Base Motors, we encourage every driver — newbies and professionals alike — to master basic car maintenance. A well-maintained car is a safe car.
