It is funny how we treat our cars sometimes. We rely on them to get us to work, drop the kids off and head out on weekend trips but we often forget the one thing that keeps the whole engine from seizing up. It turns out a massive portion of drivers in the UK do not regularly check their oil levels. They just wait for the annual service or for a scary red light to pop up on the dashboard. At FRM Automotive we see the results of this all the time and it is usually avoidable.

If you are one of those people who thinks the oil light is a friendly reminder to book a garage visit in a few weeks then you might want to rethink that. By the time the oil warning light comes on, it can indicate a serious drop in oil pressure and should be checked immediately. Checking engine oil levels isn’t just about being a “car person” it is about making sure your car actually lasts as long as it should.

Why checking oil level matters for your wallet

The engine is a massive collection of metal bits moving at incredible speeds. Oil is the only thing stopping those bits from grinding each other into dust. When your oil gets low the friction goes up and so does the heat. This makes your engine work harder which can make your engine less efficient and may slightly increase fuel consumption. So if you find yourself at the petrol station more often than usual it might not just be the prices going up. It could be that your car is thirsty for a top up because you haven’t been checking the oil level lately.

At FRM Automotive we focus on honest and quality work at affordable prices. We would much rather see you for a quick check or a standard service than have you towed in because your engine has literally melted itself together. A bottle of oil isn’t too expensive but a new engine is going to cost you thousands. It is a simple bit of maths that saves you a lot of headache in the long run.

The simple steps for checking oil level

We understand that some people find the idea of opening the bonnet a bit intimidating. Maybe you are worried you will touch something hot or get covered in grease. But it is actually really straightforward once you know what you are looking for and honestly getting a bit of oil on your hands is a lot better than getting a massive repair bill.

First you want to make sure the car is on level ground. If it is parked on a hill the oil will all slosh to one side and you will get a wrong reading. Make sure the engine is cool too so you don’t burn yourself. Find the dipstick which is usually a bright yellow or orange loop. Pull it out and wipe it clean with a bit of old rag or some kitchen roll. Push it all the way back in then pull it out again.

You are looking at the marks at the bottom. There is usually a min and a max line. If the oil is near the bottom mark then you need a top up, it is that easy. We always tell our customers at FRM Automotive that checking oil level once a month can save so much trouble. It takes two minutes and it gives you peace of mind that everything is running smoothly under there.

What happens if you just ignore it

Ignoring your oil is like trying to run a marathon without drinking any water. Eventually you are going to collapse. When oil gets old or low it turns into a thick sludge. This “black death” as some mechanics call it blocks up the narrow passages in the engine. Parts like the turbo or the camshaft start to starve and because the oil also helps carry heat away from the hot bits of the engine without it things start to warp.

We have had cars come into our Peterborough garage where the oil has basically turned into tar. At that point a simple oil change won’t fix it. You are looking at deep engine cleaning or replacing expensive parts but if you stay on top of it and keep the level right the oil can do its job properly. It cleans the engine by picking up tiny bits of dirt and it protects everything from rust and wear.

How we help at FRM Automotive

We know life gets busy and sometimes you just forget or maybe you checked it and the oil looks really dark and you aren’t sure if it needs a full change. That is what we are here for. We handle everything from mot testing to complex fuel injection systems and we pride ourselves on being an independent garage that treats people right.

If you are unsure about the type of oil your car needs because there are so many different grades like 5w-30 or 0w-20 then just give us a call. Putting the wrong stuff in can be just as bad as having no oil at all. We can make sure you have exactly what the manufacturer recommends so your warranty stays valid and your car stays happy.

Keeping things green and efficient

Another thing people don’t realise is that a well oiled engine is actually better for the environment. When the engine isn’t struggling against friction it produces fewer emissions. So by checking your oil you are doing a tiny bit for the planet as well as your bank account. Cars with the right oil levels are more efficient and less polluting which is something we should all be thinking about these days.

It is also worth noting that newer cars with stop-start technology put a lot more strain on the oil. Every time the engine starts up it needs that instant lubrication. If the oil is low or poor quality those frequent starts will wear the engine out much faster than they should.

Wrap up and looking ahead

At the end of the day your car is probably one of the most expensive things you own. It makes sense to look after it. Checking the oil is the easiest bit of maintenance you can do yourself and if you really don’t want to do it or you are worried you will mess it up then pop in and see us.

We are located at Lion Square Business Park in Westwood and we are always happy to help out with advice or a proper service. Whether you drive a Ford or a Mercedes or a Renault we have the tools and the experience to keep you on the road. Don’t wait for that warning light to tell you something is wrong. Take control of it now and your car will thank you for it later.

Keep an eye on those levels and stay safe out there. If you need us for a mot or a service you can book in through our website or just give us a call on 01733 333838. We are all about keeping things simple and making sure you get the best performance out of your vehicle without it costing the earth. And remember that a little bit of grease on your fingers today is much better than a broken down car tomorrow.