Do You Check Engine Oil with Car Running?
Checking your engine oil is an important part of maintaining your car. It helps ensure that your engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly. But should you check your oil with the car running or not?
The answer is: no.
Here are a few reasons why you should not check your oil with the car running:
- It can be dangerous. When the car is running, the engine oil is hot and under pressure. If you remove the oil dipstick, hot oil could spray out and burn you.
- It can give you an inaccurate reading. When the car is running, the oil is circulating through the engine. This means that the oil level on the dipstick will be lower than it would be if the car were off. This could lead you to believe that your oil level is low when it is actually fine.
- It can damage your engine. If you remove the oil dipstick while the car is running, air can enter the engine. This can cause the oil to become aerated, which can lead to engine damage.
So, when should you check your oil? The best time to check your oil is when the car has been sitting for a few hours and the engine is cool. This will give the oil time to settle down and give you an accurate reading.
Here are the steps on how to check your engine oil:
- Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
- Wait a few minutes for the engine to cool down.
- Pull out the oil dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
- Reinsert the dipstick fully into the engine.
- Pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level.
The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil until it reaches the correct level.
Checking your engine oil is a simple and important task that can help keep your car running smoothly. By following these steps, you can check your oil safely and accurately.
