Frequent dipstick tests can help you maintain your engine correctly. However, if you don't know how to read the oil dipstick, the following post from Les Berkenpas in Byron Center will share the best tips to do it expertly.

Changing the synthetic motor oil regularly is definitely one of the most crucial maintenance tasks you should keep up with to keep your engine working as expected. One way to guarantee you're replacing the oil as often as you should be is by doing dipstick tests. However, if you're unsure of how to read the oil dipstick, worry not. In this post, you'll learn tips to read the dipstick like a pro.

If the dipstick is telling you your engine needs new oil, listen to it. Call Les Berkenpas in Byron Center at (616) 723-1835, or visit AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the most effective synthetic lubricants for your engine's maintenance.

How to Read the Oil Dipstick

About Their Importance

Before we begin, we must go over why you should be performing dipstick tests regularly. For the engine to perform as expected and remain in top shape for longer, it needs motor oil. It will help lubricate and protect the moving parts as they work and grind each other. However, for the motor oil to be efficient, it must be in the proper condition. This means that it should have the desired levels, color, and texture. Still, how can you know if this is the case if the motor oil is all the way inside the engine? This is where dipstick tests come in. They will give you a clue about the oil's condition. For this reason, you must learn how to read the oil dipstick to care for your engine properly.

Call Les Berkenpas in Byron Center at (616) 723-1835, or visit AMSOIL's online shop to purchase high-quality synthetic oil for your engine.

About the Dipstick

The next step in this tutorial on how to read the oil dipstick is learning what a dipstick is, how it looks, and what it does. The dipstick is a metal rod that goes from the top of the engine all the way to the bottom of the oil pan. It's flexible, has a handle with an oil can on it, a pointy end, two marks (one higher, one lower), and is located inside the dipstick tube (for more information on where to find it, look through your owner's manual or ask your mechanic). The idea is that the dipstick goes into the oil pan. There, the oil coats it, letting you know where it hits between the two marks (the closer to the top one, the better). The dipstick test can also give you a clue about the oil's color and texture.

To have a strong and powerful engine for longer, use AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, the best synthetic oil in Byron Center.

Prepare the Vehicle

If you want to have an accurate read, you need to prepare the vehicle for the test. First, you need to find even ground to park your vehicle. The oil moves and flows inside the engine. If the vehicle is on uneven terrain, the inclination can give you a faulty read. Once you've gotten to the testing spot, it's absolutely crucial that you let the engine rest. It can get extremely hot, and if you handle it right after you turn it off, you can experience severe burns and injuries. Let it cool for 30 minutes before starting the test.

Remove the Stick, Put It In, and Remove It Again

The following steps are pretty simple. All you have to do is remove the stick from the dipstick tube and wipe it clean with a piece of cloth. Then, you should put it back in the tube and wait for a few seconds. Once the oil has coated the stick effectively, take it back out.

Read the Signs

The final step in this tutorial on how to read the oil dipstick is learning to interpret the signs. First, notice where the oil hits. If it's over the highest mark, the engine may be too full, and you'll have to drain some oil. If it's close to or below the lower mark, pour some more oil in. It's also a good idea to check for cracks and leaks. If you find them, get them repaired as soon as possible. Then, take a look at the oil's condition. Ideally, it would have a light brown color and a smooth texture. Coarser and darker oil is dirty and can damage your engine. If you notice this is the case, change it promptly and replace the oil filter, too.

You can't go wrong with a dipstick test. If it's telling you that you need an oil change, get one promptly to protect your engine effectively. Call Les Berkenpas in Byron Center at (616) 723-1835, or visit AMSOIL's online shop to find the best products for your synthetic oil changes.