Many new drivers worry about the engine oil in their car. What’s it for? What type do you need? How much do you need, and how often should you change it?
This post is a brief introduction to car engine oil. We’ll discuss how often you need to top up your engine oil. But as you’ll see, it’s not really something you need to worry about. So long as you commit to regular servicing, and so long as you keep your MOT appointments, you should always have sufficient oil levels in your car.
How Often Should You Top Up Engine Oil?
If your car needs an engine oil top up, the oil light should normally light up on the car dashboard. However, it is a good idea to check your engine oil regularly top it up when needed. Many car manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but this can vary.
How often you top up your engine oil will depend on a few factors, including:
- The age of your vehicle.
- The type of oil your vehicle uses.
- How often you drive, and the sort of driving you do. Some types of driving are more intensive than others.
If you’re driving an older car though, you may need more regular oil changes – every 3,000 miles or so. But if your car can run on fully synthetic oil you might be able to drive for up to 15,000 miles before you need to change your oil.
How To Check Your Engine Oil Levels
To check your car’s oil levels:
- Open your bonnet and look for the car’s oil tank. It may be marked with an oil can symbol.
- Next to the oil tank will be a dipstick, or an oil level indicator. Pull this out and make sure it’s clean.
- Insert the dipstick back into its tube as far as you can, then pull it out again.
- Look on the side of the dipstick for minimum/maximum levels to see how your levels are doing.
Can I Top Up My Oil Levels, Or Should I Get a Full Oil Change?
You can top up your oil levels yourself if you find they’re too low. It’s important to ensure you use the right type of oil for your car, though. Read our guide to the different types of car engine oil.
If you’re happy to top up your oil yourself from time to time, you should still routinely change your car oil. If you go too long without changing your oil, contaminants might build up in your oil tank. Over time, these might start corroding your engine, which would result in extremely costly damage.
Want to know how to top up or change your oil yourself? Read our full guide to oil changes.
How To Ensure Your Car Always Has Sufficient Oil Levels
Most drivers will let mechanics and other trained specialists manage the oil levels in their car. It’s simply a case of asking for an oil check and, if necessary, an oil change when you go for your annual MOT test.
It’s also a good idea to get your car serviced at other points throughout the year, especially if you’re driving another car. Every service is a further opportunity for an oil check, or an oil change. Read our full guide to car servicing.
New to car maintenance?
Regular servicing is an essential part of car maintenance, as it means that you can address any potential issues with your car long before they become truly problematic. This could help you save money on expensive repairs in the long-term.
Ongoing servicing can also make breakdowns less likely. But for total peace of mind, consider adding breakdown cover to your comprehensive car insurance policy.
At Go Girl, we specialise in new and young driver car insurance. We understand the challenges new drivers face and are here to offer you the cover and support you need.
