At least once a month, you should check oil level in your car to make sure that oil is sufficient and not contaminated. The oil reduces friction in engine and keeps it running smoothly. When you check your oil, if it's dirty or smells like gasoline, it's time to change oil. You should also check level with dipstick - if your oil is clean but only up to "extra" part of dipstick, you will need to add more oil.
Some European cars do not have a dipstick. If you can't find one in your car, check your owner's manual for instructions on how to check oil.
The test process uses a probe to determine level and quality of test. To determine if your car needs oil, follow these steps:
1. Remove dipstick and wipe it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
2. Always make sure engine is cold (or turned off for at least 10 minutes) before checking oil. The location of dipstick depends on whether your vehicle has an inline engine (rear wheel drive) as shown in diagram below.
If you have a transverse engine (front wheel drive), gauge should be near front of engine as shown in picture below. Insert wand back into tube.
If probe is stuck in path, turn it over. The tube into which it is inserted is bent, and if you return it to its original position, metal rod will naturally bend in direction of bend.
Pull out suction cup again and look at oil film at end of rod. Pay attention to height of oil film on oil pickup rod and condition of oil, add or change oil if necessary.
There is no need to add oil to a small tube, it only annoys you. Look for a screw cap on top of largest part of engine. It may be empty, or it may be marked "oil cap" or something similar, and it may even indicate what kind of oil you should use in your car. . Unscrew cap and add oil as needed.
Put suction cup back into tube, oil will turn black quickly, but quality will not be affected. Rub a little between your thumb and forefinger, if a stain remains, it probably needs to be replaced.
If oil looks reasonably clean, but dipstick only reaches "add" mark, you need to top up oil. You can buy oil at your next gas station at a gas station, or you can find it at auto shops, large stores, discount stores, and large pharmacies.