As drivers, we all want our engines to run smoothly. One of the easiest ways to take care of our car is by checking the engine oil level regularly. Oil is like the lifeblood of our car—it keeps everything running cool, clean, and smooth.

If the oil runs too low or gets too dirty, it can cause serious engine problems.

When should we check engine oil?

A good rule is to check the oil level once every two weeks or before any long road trip. If our car is older or if we've noticed oil spots on the ground, it's smart to check even more often.

Make sure we check the oil when the engine is cool—ideally after the car has been off for at least 10 to 15 minutes. That way, the oil has time to settle back into the oil pan and give us an accurate reading.

What tools do we need?

Good news—no special tools are needed! We just need:

• A clean cloth or tissue

• A flat surface to park the car

• Maybe gloves if we don't want to get our hands dirty

That's it. Everything else is already in the car.

Step-by-step guide to check oil

Let's walk through it together:

1. Park safely: Make sure our car is parked on a flat surface and the engine is off and cool.

2. Open the hood: Pull the hood release lever (usually under the dashboard), then open the hood and secure it with the rod.

3. Find the dipstick: The dipstick usually has a bright handle—often yellow or orange. It's usually near the front or side of the engine.

4. Pull it out and wipe: Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with the cloth or tissue.

5. Insert and pull again: Put the dipstick all the way back in, then pull it out again to check the oil level.

6. Read the level: Look at the markings at the tip of the dipstick—there will be two marks, usually labeled "L" (Low) and "F" (Full) or with two dots. The oil level should be between these two.

What does clean oil look like?

Fresh engine oil is usually amber or light brown and smooth in texture. If we see black, dirty, or thick oil, it might be time for an oil change. Also, if we notice metal particles or a burnt smell, that's a sign something's not right—better to get it checked at a workshop.

What to do if oil is low?

If the oil level is below the "L" or the lower dot, we should top it up. Use the correct oil type (check the owner's manual), and pour a little at a time. Re-check the level to avoid overfilling. Too much oil can also cause engine issues.

Quick tips for beginners

• Always keep a spare bottle of engine oil in the trunk.

• Don't rely only on dashboard warnings—get into the habit of checking it ourselves.

• Write down the last time we changed the oil and checked the level—it helps us stay on schedule.

Let's keep our engines happy!

Checking engine oil might sound technical, but it's really simple once we do it once or twice. It takes just a few minutes and can save us from big repair bills down the road.

Lykkers, how often do you check yours?

Do you check your car's oil regularly? Or maybe you've had a situation where low oil caused a problem? Share your story or tips with us below—we're all learning together! Let's keep our engines running strong!