Checking Your Car Fluids - Engine Oil

Oil lubricates, cleans and cools the engine and is the lifeblood of your engine. Keep the engine oil level full, and change the oil and oil filter regularly.  Use only quality brand products of appropriate oil type (check the oil type in your owner's manual) and use a genuine oil filter.

 When changing your oil, always park your car at a level place. Stop the engine. Wait for a couple of minutes to let the engine oil pour down to the oil pan.  Pull the engine oil dipstick. Dry it with a clean rag or tissue. Then set it back all the way down into its place. Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally, it should be at a "FULL" mark. 

Check the oil condition also: if it's black, it's time to change it.  If it's slightly brown it's okay.  If it's dark brown, but still transparent, it's admissible but better to change it. If the oil is white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant is mixing with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem (for example, a blown head gasket).  In this case have your car inspected.

Here's how to add the engine oil: It would be better to add the same type and branch of the engine oil as you already have in the engine.  For example, if you have Chevron SAE 5W-30, SG in your engine, try to fine the same. Wait for a minute to let the oil pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But, done overfill it, and don't forget to set the dipstick back and close the oil filter cap when you finish. 

REMEMBER: The easiest way to extend the life of your car is by changing your oil every 3,000 miles.