Checking your engine's oil once a month is essential to keep your vehicle in top shape. To learn how to check the oil levels on your car, keep reading this post by Coast to Coast Synthetics in Goliad.

Engine oil is critical for the operation of your vehicle. Although the primary function of this fluid is to lubricate the engine moving parts to keep friction to a minimum, it also assists the cooling system by absorbing and transferring heat as it circulates throughout the block, thus taking part in keeping the correct operating temperature under the hood. Another oil contribution that not many people know about is that it provides a cleaning action by picking up and carrying away carbon particles, sludge, soot, and any other impurities that can cause contamination or corrosion within the engine systems. Considering how oil contributes to the proper functioning of your vehicle, it's essential to check its levels and condition at least once a month. Fortunately, this is one of the quickest and easiest preventive maintenance tasks for your car; therefore, this post from Coast to Coast Synthetics will delve into the sequence of steps you should follow to check the oil levels on your engine. If you want to learn more, read on.

Reach out to Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 and talk with their oil specialists about the benefits of giving your car the most effective synthetic oil change in Goliad. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order for top-shelf lubricants and products for your engine maintenance.

How to Check the Oil Levels on Your Engine

Pre-Check Steps

• Before you start, get paper towels or a piece of cloth (preferably white), and keep your operator's manual handy.
• Be sure to park your vehicle on a flat surface. If your driveway is a little steep and there is no space available in your garage, the best thing to do is to drive to the gas station to ensure your vehicle is level; that way, your oil reading will be accurate.
• Turn off your vehicle and wait five minutes for the temperature to drop a little and the oil to drain to the bottom of the engine.

Remove the Dipstick and Clean It

Next, open your hood and find your oil dipstick. In most cars, the referred dipstick is characterized by a yellow, ring-shaped handle; still, you can refer to your operator's manual to verify its location. Once you find it, pull it out and wipe it clean y with your piece of cloth or paper towels. When doing so, check the marks that the metal stick has on the tip; these indicators are fundamental because they indicate the optimum oil level; therefore, ensure to get them clean and free of oil before taking the following step.

The continued use of AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil provides your engine with superior engine protection against premature wear, overheating, power loss, and rust. To explore more motor oil formulas and learn more about the top synthetic oil in Goliad, call Coast to Coast Synthetics at (361) 550-9073 or browse AMSOIL's online store.

Insert the Dipstick Back In and Pull It Out

Once the dipstick is clean, insert it back into the pipe and let it sit for a few seconds to allow the oil to settle around it. Then, take the dipstick out again to measure the oil levels; when doing so, keep the dipstick in an upright position (with the tip pointing downwards) to prevent the oil from sliding upwards and producing an incorrect reading.

Read the Dipstick Levels

Once the dipstick is out, look closely at its tip and determine how far the oil reaches. Ideally, the fluid should be seated between the lower and upper marks. If the oil is too close to the lower mark or below, your engine is likely not getting enough lubrication and protection against friction, heat, and oxidation; therefore, the best thing to do in such a case is to top up the reservoir. On the other hand, excessive oil levels could indicate fuel condensation problems and coolant leaks, among other concerns; therefore, call your trusted mechanic as soon as possible if that's the case.

Lastly, Check the Color and Texture of Your Engine Oil

Finally, inspect the color of the oil absorbed by the paper towels or piece of cloth you used to clean the dipstick. Ideally, the fluid color should be amber or very dark brown. As for the texture, make sure the oil is not boiling before touching it with your fingertips. In that regard, it should feel slick and thin. If you notice that the oil has a foamy texture or black color, call your mechanic to have it checked, as such conditions are signs of wear and major engine problems.

Aside from learning how to check the oil levels on your car, discover the benefits of switching to the most effective synthetic oil in Goliad. Reach out to the oil specialists at Coast to Coast Synthetics to familiarize yourself with the top formulas for your vehicle. Call them at (361) 550-9073 or browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order.