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Engine Oil

Engine oil is one of the most vital fluids your vehicle needs to operate. It works as a lubricant for the engine and as a means of cooling and cleaning internal engine parts.

Checking Engine Oil

Your engine oil is the most important fluid to check because running your engine when it is low on oil can result in serious engine damage.

The best time to check your engine oil is when your vehicle has not been running for a while. If you have been driving your vehicle, waiting at least an hour will give you the best results. This will give the engine time to cool down and the oil will drain back into the oil pan. Cool oil stays on the dipstick better, making it easier to measure the oil level. The cooler the engine, the less risk you have of incurring an accidental burn.

• The vehicle's engine should not be running.
• Make sure the vehicle is on level ground.
• After opening your hood, find the engine oil dipstick and remove it.
• Wipe off the end of the dipstick with a rag, and notice the markings located near the end of the dipstick. You will usually see a mark for "Full" and another mark for "Add."
• Insert the dipstick back into tube, remove it immediately, and read the level.
• If the dipstick indicates the level is at or below the "Add" mark, then add oil. Be sure to add only enough oil to reach the "Full" mark. Do not overfill.

GIPSON'S TIRE PROS recommend that consumers change their oil between 4,000 and 5,000 miles, when driving under normal conditions.

What Should My Oil Look Like?

• New engine oil will generally have a light gold to brown tint and should be nearly transparent.
• Synthetic oil is normally darker in color, sometimes almost black.
• If the oil appears milky or thick, or if it is very thin and has a strong fuel odor, there may be a mechanical problem with the engine. If this is the case, have the vehicle checked by a qualified technician.