Do You Check Engine Oil While Car Is Running?

The Answer Is…

No, you should not check engine oil while the car is running.

Why Not?

There are a few reasons why you should not check engine oil while the car is running:

• The oil level may be inaccurate. When the engine is running, the oil is circulating throughout the engine. This means that the oil level in the dipstick will be lower than it actually is.
• You could get burned. The oil in your engine can get very hot. If you check the oil while the engine is running, you could get burned.
• You could damage the engine. If you check the oil while the engine is running, you could accidentally drop the dipstick into the engine. This could damage the engine.

How to Check Engine Oil

To check engine oil, you should follow these steps:

1. Park the car on a level surface.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
4. Open the hood.
5. Locate the oil dipstick.
6. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully into the engine.
8. Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
9. Add oil if necessary. If the oil level is low, you can add oil through the oil filler cap.

Conclusion

Checking engine oil is an important part of maintaining your car. However, you should not check engine oil while the car is running. Follow the steps above to check engine oil safely and accurately.