To monitor the oil level in the engine, a special dipstick is used, located in a convenient place for access. One end of this device is always in an oil bath, and the other end is in the BC hole with enhanced sealing. To avoid premature engine wear and maintain the oil level at the recommended manufacturer's condition, it is necessary to check the probe in time and be aware of the recommended average and maximum level.
1. Checking the oil level
Oil lubricants have anti-corrosion qualities, accumulate dirt and deposits, and also lubricate the rubbing components of the power unit and remove wear products. This has a positive effect on the service life of important components and engine parts. Insufficient oil levels or low quality oil adversely affect the efficiency of the cylinders and often lead to their destruction. Therefore, you should check the oil level from time to time and change the fluid.
In modern cars, the oil level is controlled by sensors and manually using a dipstick. But what level is normal, and what is excessive? Let's figure it out in order.
To correctly assess the level of lubrication, a number of rules must be taken into account:
- diagnostics starts 5-10 minutes after the engine stops;
- at the time of the check, the vehicle must be in a level position without tilt;
- analysis on the probe is carried out taking into account the markings "min" and "max";
- to wipe the measuring device from traces of grease, you need a clean rag that does not leave behind fibers.
2. The subtleties of checking the oil dipstick
Before starting the test, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with the design and location of the probe in the car. This component has two marks "min" and "max", indicating the low and maximum amount of lubricating substance. These markings are applied in different ways - stripes, dots, inscriptions.
Individual probes are labeled "HOT" and "COLD". The possibility of incorrect readings cannot be ruled out. To find out the exact oil level, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:
- place the machine on a level surface;
- if the car was started, it must be turned off, wait 10-15 minutes so that the remaining lubricant is in the crankcase and the check is as accurate as possible;
- then open the hood and remove the dipstick. After wiping it with a lint-free cloth, it is worth immersing it back all the way and waiting another 2-3 seconds;
- after re-extracting the probe, carefully evaluate the result. If there are no problems with the level, the oil mark will be between the "min" and "max" markings. The minimum level is at the border of the lower mark, and the increased level is above the maximum”;
- check the condition of the technical fluid. The presence of traces of emulsion is strictly not allowed.
Also, the oil cannot be too dark, as this indicates excessive fluid production, especially if the car has traveled more than 10,000 km. In such conditions, an oil and filter change is required.
Checking the oil level is carried out only during the repeated immersion of the dipstick in the crankcase hole.
3. Common mistakes car owners make
When assessing the current oil level, avoid the following mistakes:
- location of the vehicle on an uneven surface at an angle;
- work on a running or hot engine;
- checks without first wiping the probe;
- checks after changing or topping up the lubricant.
4. How often should the oil level be checked?
There are no clear time intervals. The type and condition of the engine must be taken into account. However, car manuals mention the recommendation to check before long journeys.
It does not hurt to check the oil level once a week before operating the "iron horse". The process will not take much time, but will avoid unpleasant consequences at a critically low level.
5. What temperature should the engine be to check the oil level
Checking the oil level is carried out only on a cold engine. However, in winter, this rule has exceptions, because under the influence of severe frosts the lubricating fluid begins to freeze and becomes too thick, due to which the readings on the dipstick are incorrect.
To avoid inaccuracies, the first check should be carried out on a cold engine, and a second one after it has warmed up after 5-10 minutes.
6. Insufficient oil level in the engine
Many car owners see nothing wrong with low engine oil levels. However, in practice, the consequences of ignoring this problem can be disastrous. There are several reasons why the level drops:
- there was a depressurization or breakdown of the crankcase, due to which the lubricant completely leaked out;
- motor elements are heavily worn, so lubricant consumption has increased;
- oil was not added for a long time;
- gasket has been ruptured.
In most cases, the level reaches a critical level due to the fault of the car owner, who does not properly care for his car.
7. What is the danger of lowering the oil level
There are a number of serious malfunctions that accompany a critical shortage of lubricating fluid in the motor:
- Wear of important components and mechanisms, including the crankshaft, which requires a large amount of oil to operate. Against the background of a lack of fluid, the shaft journals work “dry”, which is why a lot of output accumulates on them and on the liners and bushings;
- Turning bushings that could damage the drive mechanism. As a result, the crankshaft loses its initial properties and is in danger of breaking. Lack of oil often causes an engine wedge;
- Wear of the piston group. The deficiency of the oil substance has a negative effect on the elements of the piston group. In working condition, the cylinder walls are lubricated. If there is no lubrication, the rings on the pistons begin to scratch the cylinder walls, causing boring and costly engine repairs;
- Malfunctions of pumping equipment. Against the background of a shortage of lubricating substance, wear of the drive shaft and bearing occurs;
- Wear and accumulation of metal chips in the motor. In the future, the intensity of engine wear will only increase.
In addition, high-quality lubrication prevents engine overheating. At a low level, the cylinder head bends, antifreeze enters the cylinder and other problems.
A timely assessment of the oil level will prevent a major overhaul of the motor, which will cost a "round" sum.
If the oil level is below the recommended mark, the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.
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8. Excessive oil level
There is a stereotype that the higher the concentration of oil in the engine, the better. But this is an erroneous opinion. Exceeding the permissible level is also accompanied by negative consequences, which often look more dangerous than underfilling.
In most cases, oil overflow occurs due to incomplete draining of the previous mixture. To prevent this, it is necessary to observe the recommended level of heating of the power plant and apply vacuum suction. Otherwise, about 300-500 grams of the old substance remains in the crankcase.
Excess oil not only provokes increased fuel consumption, but also puts pressure on the oil seals and sealing gum. It also comes with the following problems:
- difficulties with starting the engine at low air temperatures;
- the appearance of soot and third-party inclusions in the cylinders;
- critical load on the pump;
- foaming oil, which provokes problems in the operation of hydraulic lifters;
- an increase in the concentration of toxic substances in exhaust gases.
In case of serious engine problems, the oil is often mixed with other technical fluids, due to which its level rises critically. In order to prevent disastrous consequences, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis in time, during which an assessment of the viscosity, odor and concentration of the lubricant should be carried out.
When overflowing oil, you need to pump out the excess with a syringe, and then recheck the level with a dipstick. Another method involves using a lifter and unscrewing the drain plug to remove excess.
Do not put off checking technical fluids, especially oil, and change it in time. This will allow the motor to work correctly and for a long time, without any complaints. But if you encounter any problems in the operation of the engine, it is better to visit a service station.
It is important not only to check the oil level in the engine in time, but also to prevent 12 winter car mistakes.
Source: https://novate.ru/blogs/230122/61828/
