The oil dipstick can tell you if your motor oil is at the required levels. Learn how to read the oil dipstick effectively with the tips in this post that BMH Lubricants in Boulder City has put together for you.

Call BMH Lubricants in Boulder City at (702) 208-0114, or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the top products for your synthetic oil change.

How to Read the Oil Dipstick

Learn Why to Perform an Oil Dipstick Test

Let's start with the basics. You may not know what the dipstick test is or why you need to do it with some regularity. If that's the case, worry not. The dipstick test is a way to monitor the motor oil level in your vehicle. Oil is crucial to keep your engine in mint condition for longer. However, in order to provide the protection and lubrication your engine needs, it needs to be at the required levels. Too much or too little can actually hurt your engine. You can also use the dipstick to learn the oil's condition. When you first pour it in, the oil is smooth and has a light brown color. Still, after time and use, dirt can get to it. With the dipstick test, you can see if this is the case. As such, the dipstick test is essential to your engine's maintenance, which is why you must figure out how to read the oil dipstick.

Get to Know the Dipstick

Now that you know the reasoning behind the dipstick test, you need to know what a dipstick is, so allow us to perform a little introduction. As the name states, this is a stick. It's a long, flexible metal rod with a pointy end and a handle at the top. It's located inside the dipstick tube that goes all the way down to the oil pan. You may also notice that it has two marks. One is higher, and the other is lower down the dipstick. It should also have the image of an oil can to make it easier to identify. You may find the dipstick tube to the engine's sides or front. Get more accurate information through your vehicle's owner's manual or with your mechanic's help.

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Prepare the Vehicle for the Read

Now let's get into a little more action. To have the most accurate read, you need to prepare your vehicle for it. An essential tip to consider is to park your vehicle on even terrain. For example, if you were to do the test while it's on a hill, the oil would get pulled by gravity and shift places. Doing it on a plain field will keep the oil straight and ready to be read. Likewise, you should let your vehicle cool down for half an hour before performing the test. Vehicles that have been running for a while can be scorching hot. Avoid injuries by letting it cool down. These two points are crucial in how to read the oil dipstick. They will help you get a more precise read safely.

Remove, Dip, Remove

As for the dipstick test, the steps are fairly easy. Once you've located the dipstick, remove it from the dipstick tube. Wipe it clean with a cloth and dip it back in there. After a couple of seconds have passed, take it out again and notice where the oil hits on the dipstick. That's basically it.

Draw Some Conclusions

After you've taken the dipstick out and noticed the oil, it's time to interpret the signs. First, see where the oil hits. If the oil is close to or over the mark at the top, it's telling you the oil pan is too full, and you'll need to drain some of it. If you can see the oil is below the bottom marking, you must correct this promptly to protect the engine. Likewise, check for leaks. If there are some, go to a mechanic ASAP. Secondly, take a look at the oil's condition. If it has turned from a light brown color to a dark brown, and from a smooth texture to a coarser one, the oil is dirty. This can do more harm than good to the engine, so you must change the oil immediately.

Call BMH Lubricants in Boulder City at (702) 208-0114, or visit AMSOIL's online store to find a synthetic oil that will help you save time and oil on your engine's maintenance.