Vehicle Maintenance, Oil

By David Sholicar

It’s important you check your cars oil levels regularly as incorrect oil levels could cause serious damage to the engine. Checking the engine oil in your car is very easy to do and will only take a few minutes. It’s important to keep on top of simple vehicle maintenance checks to prolong the life of your car.

engine oil

You’ll find that the amount of oil an engine uses will depend on the type of engine, how much the car is used and how the car is driven.

You need to make sure that you’re checking your engine oil at least once a fortnight and top up as and when needed. Remember never to add too much oil as this will create excess pressure which could end up damaging the engine seals and gaskets which could cause oil leaks.

To check the engine oil levels

Make sure the engine is cold and the car is on level ground or you won’t get an accurate reading.

Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel. Reinsert it fully, pull it out again and check that the oil mark is between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.

If the oil is below the minimum mark then that means you will need to add more oil.

To top up oil

If the oil does need topping up then make sure the oil you’re using is the same as that which is already in the engine. Your owner's manual should give you full instructions.

To add more oil find the oil filler cap which is usually located on the top of the engine marked with the oil symbol. Unscrew this carefully and place to one side.

Pour a small amount of oil into the engine, preferably using a funnel to avoid any spillage and recheck the level with the dipstick. If you still haven’t got enough then repeat the process until you have the correct oil level.

Regular Oil Changes

In order to keep your engine in a good working order your vehicle must have regular oil changes. This is where all the oil gets drained from your car engine and is replaced with new, unused oil. It’s also recommended that your oil filter gets changed at the same time because over time the filter will get clogged up with dirt.

An oil change should be done once every 10,000 miles, however check your car’s handbook for the manufacture’s recommendations.

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Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy

When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.

If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.

We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.

But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.

So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!

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If you’re unsure on how to do an oil change then make sure that when you put your car through for its MOT, be sure to book yourself in for a full car service as they will change the oil and other car fluids for you.

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About the author

Article Author Photo
By David Sholicar
David is the National Retail Operations Manager for Protyre. One of David’s areas of responsibility and expertise is dealing with the DVSA and MOT’s for Protyre. As the Authorised Examiner Designate Manager ( AEDM ) David deals with applications for changes to the many Vehicle Testing Stations ( VTS’s) including managing the growth of the Number of MOT testing stations that Protyre operate, allocating MOT tester roles, and monitoring the MOT Test logs to ensure that Protyre MOT standards are maintained as the best in the industry.
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