## How to Determine the Right Engine Oil for Your Car
Every car requires engine oil to function properly. But with so many different types of engine oils on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your car. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about engine oil, including how to check your oil level, how to choose the right oil for your car, and how to change your oil.
How to Check Your Oil Level
The first step to knowing what engine oil your car has is to check your oil level. To do this, you’ll need to:
* Park your car on a level surface.
* Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
* Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. The dipstick is usually located near the front of the engine, and it will have a yellow or red handle.
* Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag.
* Reinsert the dipstick all the way into the engine, then pull it out again.
* Check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the dipstick.
If your oil level is low, you’ll need to add more oil. To do this, you’ll need to:
* Purchase the correct type of oil for your car. You can find the correct oil type in your car’s owner’s manual.
* Locate the oil fill cap. The oil fill cap is usually located on the top of the engine, and it will have a yellow or red cap.
* Remove the oil fill cap and add oil to the engine. Add oil slowly, and check the oil level regularly to avoid overfilling the engine.
* Replace the oil fill cap and the dipstick.
How to Choose the Right Engine Oil for Your Car
Once you know how to check your oil level, you need to choose the right engine oil for your car. There are three main factors to consider when choosing engine oil:
* **Viscosity:** Viscosity is a measure of how thick or thin oil is. Thicker oils are better at protecting your engine from wear and tear, but they can also make it harder for your engine to start in cold weather. Thinner oils are easier for your engine to start in cold weather, but they may not provide as much protection from wear and tear.
* **API rating:** The API rating is a measure of how well oil protects your engine from wear and tear. Higher API ratings indicate better protection.
* **Brand:** There are many different brands of engine oil on the market. Some brands are more expensive than others, but there is no guarantee that more expensive oil is better. The best way to choose an engine oil is to read reviews and compare prices.
How to Change Your Oil
If you’re comfortable working on your car, you can change your oil yourself. To do this, you’ll need:
* A new oil filter
* The correct type of oil for your car
* A wrench
* A drain pan
* A funnel
* Safety glasses
To change your oil, you’ll need to:
* Park your car on a level surface.
* Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
* Place a drain pan under the oil pan.
* Loosen the oil drain plug and allow the oil to drain into the drain pan.
* Once the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug.
* Locate the oil filter and remove it.
* Apply a thin coat of new oil to the gasket of the new oil filter.
* Screw on the new oil filter by hand until it is snug.
* Add the correct amount of oil to the engine.
* Check the oil level on the dipstick.
* Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
* Check for leaks.
Conclusion
Knowing what engine oil your car has is essential for keeping your car running properly. By following the steps in this post, you can easily check your oil level, choose the right oil for your car, and change your oil yourself.
