Regularly checking your engine oil and coolant is essential for your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Engine oil lubricates the engine’s components, while coolant manages its temperature. Here’s a simple guide.
Checking your engine oil
- Park on level ground and switch the engine off. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Open the bonnet and find the dipstick (usually a yellow or orange handle).
- Pull it out, wipe it clean, push it fully back in, then pull it out again.
- Check the oil sits between the minimum and maximum marks. Top up with the grade in your owner’s manual if it’s low.
- Look at the colour: fresh oil is amber. Dark, gritty oil means it’s time for a change.
Checking your coolant
- Only check coolant when the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.
- Find the coolant reservoir: a translucent tank with MIN and MAX marks.
- Check the level sits between the marks.
- If it’s low, top up with the coolant type specified for your vehicle.
- If you need to top up often, you may have a leak. Book a check.
Not sure what you’re looking at? Pop in and we’ll check your levels for you.