Regulating Your Car's Oil

It's no big secret that a car or truck is an investment, both of your money and of your time, and that sooner or later you're going to have to put something into keeping your car road-worthy and functioning smoothly. For some, this means making expensive last-minute repairs when the automobile's vital systems and parts start to fall apart; the smarter route, however, is simply to make much smaller investments in routine maintenance, ensuring that your car never gets to the point where costly repairs or replacement parts become necessary.

One of the best ways to keep your car running properly—and to ward off any expensive repairs—is to stay on top of its oil needs. The importance of this cannot possibly be underappreciated; there is literally nothing more important you can do for the engine of your vehicle than to check the oil level and make sure it's where it should be. Oil is simply crucial in keeping your car running smoothly.

And checking the oil level isn't difficult. The first thing to do is simply ensure that your car is parked on a level surface; obviously, parking on an incline is going to throw off the measurements you take with a dipstick. Parking in a well-lit area is also advised; after all, trying to find what is really a very small opening in your oil tank can be frustrating when you're shrouded in darkness. And if at all possible, don't check the oil immediately after operating the vehicle. Operation causes the oil to become unsettled; letting it settle for a moment will ensure a more accurate reading.

The dipstick itself will be located somewhere near the oil tank itself; often, dipsticks come with either bright orange handles or with the word "oil" printed on them. To use the dipstick, simply remove it from the tank and then wipe it clean with an old rag or a towel. Then re-insert it into the tank and pull it out once more to obtain an accurate measurement. Your dipstick will likely have two marking on it, toward the bottom. Essentially, your oil level should fall somewhere between the two marks. If you find that it's a bit short, add a little oil to the tank—but never more than a quart at a time. Filling your oil tank too high will leave you with a major mess on your hands, so fill just a little and then take a new, clean measurement rather than risk giving it too much.

Of course, checking and filling your car's oil tank is not the only thing you need to do to ensure that the vehicle runs smoothly. You'll also want to take it in for oil changes from time to time; consult your owner's manual to find out how often your particular car or truck needs an oil change. And always remember how important oil is to your car—and how regulating it can ultimately save you big bucks in the long run by cutting out major engine repairs or replacements!

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