Project 1: Check Engine Oil

Check the engine oil weekly. Engine oil should be checked with the car turned off. If possible check the oil before the car has been driven. 

Tools Needed:

-Rag

-Funnel

Materials Needed:

-Oil (only if necessary, and consult car user manual for type of oil to be used)

Time Required:

2 minutes

1. Locate the oil dipstick. The dipstick is found after opening the hood on the car and usually has a yellow loop on the end.

2. Pull dipstick and wipe the oil from the end with a rag.

3. Insert dipstick back into the tube and pull it out again.

4. Note oil level on the dipstick.

If oil is below the MAX mark continue with the following steps.

5. Locate oil filler cap and remove. Most usually the cap displays an oil can with the recommended type of oil to add to the engine.

6. Add oil as necessary with a funnel. Check oil level with the oil dipstick. Oil dipsticks are standardized so the distance between the MIN mark and the MAX mark is one quart of oil.

7. Replace oil filler cap.

Why Fix Your Car?

Perhaps you are reading this blog because your car is not working or something needs to be fixed. Even worse, maybe you just finished a phone conversation with that mechanic of yours, only to find out that you will shortly be writing out a check that is at least the amount of your car payment. While growing up, my friends were always asking me to fix one thing or another on their vehicles. I always did what I could, but at the same time marvelled that they had very little understanding of the automobile.

My hope with this blog is to share with my friends, and hopefully any other interested party, the basics of car care. Just by learning a few simple things you can save yourself a ton of money. I managed an oil and lube shop and trained teenagers with the basics of car care. You can easily accomplish what those teenagers learned in a few short hours. I promise that with some basic help and a little effort on your part we can dramatically increase your understanding of the car and get you on your way to saving some money.