A dipstick test can reveal much about your motor oil and help you properly maintain your engine. Learn how to read the oil dipstick effectively with help from this post by Cherry Synthetics in Greenville.

The engine is the brain of the operation. This basically means that if you take good care of it, you can keep your vehicle working smoothly for a long time. One way to do that is to perform regular dipstick tests to determine the motor oil's condition. If you'd like to learn how to read the oil dipstick on your own, continue reading these tips.

Is the dipstick telling you it's time for new oil? Call Cherry Synthetics in Greenville at (252) 917-1677 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the top synthetic oil for your engine's maintenance. 

How to Read the Oil Dipstick

Learn About Their Importance

First and foremost, let's learn why you should do a dipstick test regularly. Your engine needs motor oil to alleviate the continued friction that happens whenever it's running and its moving components brush against one another. If left unchecked, this friction can have dire consequences on the engine's lifespan and performance, as well as on your safety, wallet, and the environment. While motor oil does an outstanding job at lessening those dire consequences, it has to have the proper condition to perform as expected. Its levels, texture, and color need to be just right. A dipstick test can help you figure out if the motor oil is where it needs to be or if the engine needs new oil to stay protected and work perfectly for longer.

Call Cherry Synthetics in Greenville at (252) 917-1677 or visit AMSOIL's online store to save time and money on your vehicle's maintenance with help from the top-performing products around.

Learn About the Dipstick

The next step in this tutorial on how to read the oil dipstick is learning what an oil dipstick is. It's a metal rod that's flexible and pointy. It comes with a handle with an oil can on it. You may find it inside the dipstick tube, often located around the engine (get the specific location from the manual or your mechanic). The most important thing to note is the two marks on it, and that one is higher than the other. The way it works is that the dipstick hits the oil pan. There, the oil covers the rod. This means that you can see where the oil hits between the marks when you pull it out. You can also see the oil and its condition.

If the dipstick tells you it's time for new oil, it's time for new oil. Use AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, the top synthetic oil in Greenville, to keep your engine happy and healthy.

Prepare for the Examination

You can't just begin a test without any preparation. This is why you must take a couple of steps to prepare for it. You need to park your vehicle on even ground to learn how to read the oil dipstick and get accurate information. The slightest inclination can affect the oil's stability, messing up the test, so stay on flat ground. Once you've gotten to the right parking spot, allow the engine to cool off for about half an hour. If you don't, you could experience severe burns and injuries. Stay safe and let the engine rest before continuing with the test.

Pull the Stick Out. Put It In. Take It Out Again.

As for the actual test, it's fairly simple. Just pull the stick out of the tube and wipe it clean. After that, put it back into the tube and wait a couple of seconds. Lastly, take it out again and notice where the oil hits the stick.

Read the Signs

Now for the last and most crucial step in this tutorial on how to read the oil dipstick: interpreting the signs. If the oil is over the top level, there's too much of it, and you may have to pour some of it out. If, on the other hand, it's under the bottom mark, you need to refill it promptly. Likewise, notice and fix cracks and leaks that could be taking place. Finally, take a look at the oil's texture and color. A light brown, smooth oil is brand new. A coarse and dark brown oil is dirty and can damage the engine. Replace it soon to avoid any trouble.

The dipstick test can be very revealing. It can also be very helpful in maintaining your engine in perfect working condition for longer. Call Cherry Synthetics in Greenville at (252) 917-1677 or visit AMSOIL's online store to find the motor oil your engine needs to run smoothly.