Car and van care tips

Thanks to advances in engine technology, today’s cars are exceptionally reliable and can go much further between services than earlier models, often thousands of miles further. Of course, that’s good news for you. But it does mean that, it’s more important than ever to check your oil level regularly and top it up when necessary. If you don’t, you’re taking a real risk with your engine’s health. As the oil level drops, the remaining oil in your engine has to work harder, becoming dirtier and wearing out faster with the result that your car’s performance will start to suffer. Not much further down the road, your engine will be in real danger of increased wear, overheating and even total seizure.

Ideally, you should check your oil weekly, as recommended by most car manufacturers. If the oil level drops from maximum to minimum after less than 1000 miles (1500 km), you should have your engine checked. Oil consumption is different from one car to another and from one driving style to another.

1. Park on a level surface, turn off the engine and wait for 3-4 minutes to allow the oil to settle.
2. Find the dipstick, pull it out, wipe and re-dip before taking your reading.
3. If it is less than maximum, check the fill guide to find out how much you need to add. 
4. Remove the oil filler cap on top of your engine, add the right amount of oil and replace the oil filler cap after the oil top-up.
5. Wait 60 seconds to allow the oil to drain into your engine, then re-dip to check the new level. Add more oil if necessary and replace the oil filler cap.

Find out more from our FAQs section.