WHAT CAN OPTIMAL OIL LEVELS DO FOR YOUR CAR?

Motor oil is made of petroleum-based and non-petroleum-synthesized chemical compounds; used to lubricate internal combustion engines, which limits friction and reduces wear on the many engine parts. Ensuring your car always has optimal oil levels will help increase your engine's efficiency when running, help prevent the formation of deposits, and assist in reducing harmful emissions into the air. Oil accomplishes these feats by cleaning your engine, limiting corrosion, and cooling the engine. Does oil sound important? Yes? Good, that's because it is. You should check your oil level about every 600 miles, as well as before every long road trip, to ensure your car or truck is at optimal oil levels.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR OIL

What is the optimal oil level? Oil levels should meet the "Max" line on the engine dipstick. Remember; you shouldn't rely on simply checking your dashboard for an oil warning light: manually check your oil. Whenever you check your oil, ensure your engine is off and has cooled, but also make sure you run your engine prior to checking your oil. Waiting for about five minutes after you turn off your engine should be long enough to let the car's engine to cool. Also make sure your vehicle is on somewhat level ground, then take the following steps:

  1. Locate the dipstick, remove it, and wipe it off with a rag or paper towel
  2. Place the dipstick back into the engine, wait a few seconds, then remove it again to read the oil level
  3. Locate the "Min" and "Max" line markings
  4. Compare the oil line to "Min" and "Max" lines
  5. If the oil line is below the "Max", add a little more oil
  6. After you add the oil, wait about ten minutes and re-check your oil
  7. If the oil line is at "Max", you're done. If it's not, add a little more oil and check it again. Try to avoid going above the "Max" mark.
Ensuring you maintain optimal oil levels is only one process in caring for your vehicle's engine. The other is changing your oil regularly. If you drive an older car, you should change your oil about every 3,000 miles. In newer cars, you should change your oil about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. A good way to know if you need to change your oil is to check to see if your oil looks dirty. If the oil looks as black as coal, change it. If you're in need of an oil change in YONKERS, Beck Chevrolet can help. See our prices here.