How to Check Your Oil

Knowing how to check engine oil is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks you can carry out. Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reduces friction and helps prevent excessive wear, so maintaining the correct oil level is essential for your vehicle's performance and longevity.

Before checking the oil, park your car on level ground and switch off the engine. Allow it to cool for a few minutes so the oil settles back into the sump. Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, which is usually marked with a brightly coloured handle. Remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully and then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum markers. If it's below the minimum mark, top up with the manufacturer-recommended engine oil before driving.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how to change your car’s oil. As well as making sure you can keep your current car maintained, knowing how to change the oil will also mean that you can keep future cars in ship shape. If you’re looking to replace your current car with something newer, then check out Eden’s current range of vehicles from key brands such as Vauxhall, MG or Peugeot.

Under the bonnet

Nearly all cars will have their engine under the bonnet and to access this, you’ll need to pull a lever from within the cabin. Most vehicles have this situated to the right-hand side of the driver’s footwell, though some cars have it in the passenger footwell. Whichever one applies to your car, give it a firm pull and you should hear the bonnet ‘pop’ as it opens and unlocks.

If your bonnet fails to unlatch, then it could mean that the cable is worn out or stiff - this will need a repair by a mechanic to unstick and regrease it.

Where Is the Oil Cap in a Car?

​The engine oil cap is located on top of the engine and is usually clearly marked with an oil can symbol. Unlike the dipstick , which is used to meansure the oil level , the oil filler cap is where fresj engine oil is added if the level is low. The exact position varies between vehicles, but it's normally easy to identify once the bonnet is open. if you are unsure, your vehicle handbook will show the location of both the dipstick and the oil cap. 

Dipstick

Right, here’s where the main access point to your oil levels lies. The dipstick is your main way of checking how much oil is in your car and, in most vehicles, it’s highlighted by a yellow handle which makes it easier to see. This handle can sometimes be a little dirty, so you may want to wear gloves when removing it or give it a quick clean-down beforehand.

To check the levels, you’ll need to remove the dipstick from the engine. Give the handle a firm pull - it should feel reasonably locked in, to begin with - and soon you’ll be able to remove the entire dipstick from the engine. Watch out for any oil that might come off the dipstick in the process.

Remove the dipstick entirely and then you’ll need to clean it down with a piece of paper towel or a rag - don’t use anything precious to clean it down. Once you’ve wiped down the dipstick entirely, return it to the engine and make sure it is ‘seated’ back where it was to begin with.

Levels

Now, you can remove the dipstick from the engine once more and you’ll be able to read the levels. Nearly all cars - including the ones you’ll find on sale here at Eden - feature a gauge on the dipstick itself, showing low, medium and high markers. It’s with these that you’ll be able to get a handle on how much oil your car has in it.

If you’re not quite sure what the reading shows, give the dipstick another clean and try the whole process again. You’ll get the most accurate reading from a cold engine, too, but you can test it on a warm engine if you really need to. However, make sure that you don’t remove the dipstick from a hot engine that has just been running - give it time to cool down.

What should the Oil Look Like?

Checking the oil level is only part of the process. It's also worth looking at the condition of the oil on the dipstick. Fresh engine oil is usually clear and amber in colour, although it naturally darkens with use. If the oil appears excessively thick, contains metal particles or has a milky appearance, it could indicate a mechanical issue that should be inspected by a qualified technician. Regular oil checks can help identify potential problems before they become more serious

Top up if required

From here, you might need to top up your car’s engine oil. If the dipstick test shows that the levels are low, then topping up with oil is essential to prevent any damage from occurring. Make sure that if you are replacing the oil, you find out which is the right one for your vehicle - you might be able to source this information from your car’s handbook, or via a car parts retailer which often has databases that you can use.

Once you’ve got the right oil for your car, top it up with the oil filler. Most cars have an oil filler cap with a bright yellow oil can logo on its top, so you should be able to find it relatively easily. Remove this, and then top up the oil in small increments, replacing the dipstick and re-checking the levels every time you add more oil. Then, once you’ve reached the right level, give return the dipstick and screw the oil cap back on - it should ‘click’ back into place, a little like your car’s fuel filler cap. Give the area around the oil cap a clean, just in case any excess oil has landed on it.

Further treatment

Routinely checking your car’s oil levels is a good habit to get into. However, if your vehicle is losing more oil than usual - or if you’ve noticed any oil spotting beneath the car after it has been parked - it’ll be a good idea to have it checked over by a trained professional.

If oil leaks are becoming more commonplace then it might be a good time to switch cars - which is where Eden can help. We’ve got many of the very latest vehicles from brands like Peugeot and MG, as well as used cars that have been carefully chosen and inspected by our team of experts. Get in touch today if you’d like to find out more.

Need a Oil Check? Eden Motor Group Can Help

​Regular oil checks are an important part of routine vehicle maintenance, but professional servicing helps ensure your engine remains in the best possible condition. At Eden Motor Group, our manufacturer-trained technicians can inspect your engine oil, replace the oil and filter using the correct manufacturer-approved products and carry out a full vehicle health check. Whether your vehicle is due a service or you simply want peace of mind before a long journey, our aftersales team is here to help keep your car performing at its best.

Book Your Service​

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQS )

How do I check my engine oil correctly?

To check your engine oil, park on level ground, switch off the engine and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully and then remove it again to read the oil level. The oil should sit between the minimum and maximum markings. If it's low, top up using the correct engine oil recommended for your vehicle.

What does the engine oil cap look like?

The engine oil cap is usually a round plastic cap located on top of the engine. It's typically marked with an oil can symbol and may also display the recommended oil grade on some vehicles. It should not be confused with the dipstick, which is used to measure the oil level rather than add oil.

How often should I check my engine oil?

It's good practice to check your engine oil at least once a month and before any long journey. If you drive frequently, cover high mileages or regularly make short trips, checking it more often can help identify low oil levels before they cause engine damage.

What happens if my engine oil is too low?

Driving with low engine oil can reduce lubrication, increase engine wear and, in severe cases, lead to significant engine damage. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, top it up with the correct oil as soon as possible and investigate the cause if the level continues to drop.

Can I drive if my oil warning light comes on?

If the oil warning light illuminates while driving, you should stop as soon as it is safe to do so and check the oil level. Continuing to drive with insufficient oil pressure can cause serious engine damage. If the oil level is correct but the warning light remains on, seek professional assistance before driving further.

Should I check the oil when the engine is hot or cold?

For the most accurate reading, check the oil after switching the engine off and allowing it to cool for a few minutes. This gives the oil time to drain back into the sump, providing a more reliable measurement. Always follow the guidance in your vehicle's owner's manual, as some manufacturers have specific recommendations.