1. You need to know how to check engine oil.

Step 1: you need to make sure that your car has been turned off for 10 minutes, because the oil needs to flow back to the oil pan before it can be checked. If the car is still warm, the oil may not have completely flowed back, which could lead to an inaccurate oil level reading.

Step 2: Prepare clean paper towels/cloths (for wiping the dipstick) and the vehicle manual (to confirm the dipstick location and markings).

Step 3:The oil dipstick is usually located in the engine compartment. It is a long rod with a clearly marked label (such as “OIL” or “ENGINE OIL”) and a colored pull ring (commonly yellow or red) at the top. Some models may have ‘MIN’ (minimum) and “MAX” (maximum) markings.

Step 4:Remove the dipstick and thoroughly wipe both sides of it with a clean paper towel or cloth to remove any oil and impurities attached to it, ensuring accurate readings.

Step 5:Insert the dipstick completely back into the tube until the pull ring touches the engine casing to avoid inserting it too shallowly, which may cause reading errors. Then pull it out again, keep it vertical, and observe the oil level and oil quality.

2.How to determine oil level and quality

Oil level determination: The dipstick usually has two markings (“MIN” and “MAX”) or graduations marked on the shaft. The normal oil level should be between “MIN” and ‘MAX’ (ideally close to “MAX” but not exceeding it).

If below “MIN”: Add engine oil.

If higher than “MAX”: It may be due to excessive addition last time or engine malfunction. Please contact a professional repair technician for inspection.

Oil quality assessment: Observe the color, transparency, and presence of impurities in the engine oil.

Normal motor oil: It should be transparent or light amber in color (fully synthetic motor oil may be lighter in color, while semi-synthetic motor oil may be slightly darker), with no suspended particles or unusual odors.

Abnormal conditions: White/milky white, possibly mixed with coolant (such as damaged cylinder gasket, cooling system leakage), immediate repair is required.
Cloudy/black with particles: Oil aging or internal engine wear (e.g., piston ring or bearing wear). Replace the oil and inspect the engine.
Metal debris: Oil contaminated with iron or aluminum particles, possibly due to abnormal wear of engine components. Further testing is required.

After completing the inspection, how should you choose motor oil and perform an engine oil change? Click to jump to our detailed tutorials!