The warning you can prevent
You are about to drive to work when you wonder whether the engine oil has been checked recently. Oil protects moving engine parts from heat and friction. A quick check can help you spot low oil before it becomes an expensive breakdown.
Park safely and let the engine settle
Park on level ground, switch off the engine and wait a few minutes so the oil can settle in the sump. Avoid checking immediately after hard driving, when the engine bay may be very hot. Keep sleeves, scarves and hands away from moving or hot parts.
Read the dipstick
Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, often marked with a bright handle. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a cloth, push it fully back in, then remove it again. The oil mark should sit between the minimum and maximum lines.
Know what the reading means
If the level is between the marks, it is usually fine. If it is close to or below minimum, the engine may need the correct oil added. If the oil looks milky, smells strongly of fuel or the level drops repeatedly, get professional advice rather than guessing.
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