Your car’s engine needs the right amount of oil to run properly. Too little and you risk serious damage. Too much and you create pressure problems. Most Australian drivers never check their oil between services, but waiting for a warning light can leave you stranded or facing expensive repairs.
Checking your engine oil takes five minutes. You pull out the dipstick, read the level, and add more if needed. No special tools required. Just a rag and maybe a bottle of oil if you’re running low.
This guide walks you through exactly how to check your oil level using the dipstick method. You’ll learn when to check (hot versus cold), how to read the markings, what the colour tells you, and how to top up safely. We’ll also cover common mistakes that throw off your reading and answer questions about checking oil in different conditions.
What you need before you start
You don’t need a workshop full of tools to check your engine oil level. Most cars only require a clean cloth or paper towel and access to the engine bay. The whole process relies on your vehicle’s built-in dipstick, which every car has unless you drive a newer model with electronic monitoring only.
Essential items
Keep these items handy before you open your bonnet. You’ll use the dipstick to measure the oil level and need the cloth to wipe it clean between readings. The other items only matter if your oil runs low.
- Clean cloth or paper towel to wipe the dipstick
- Engine oil (same grade as your current oil) if you need to top up
- Funnel to avoid spills when adding oil
- Disposable gloves (optional but keeps your hands clean)
Park your car on level ground and wait at least 10 minutes after driving so the oil can drain back into the sump for an accurate reading.
Check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure about your specific dipstick location or which oil grade you need. Some modern vehicles use electronic sensors instead of traditional dipsticks.
Step 1. Park and prepare your car
Position your car on flat, level ground before you check the oil. A slope throws off the reading because oil pools to one side of the sump. Your driveway works fine as long as it’s relatively flat. Turn off the engine and wait at least 10 minutes so the oil drains back down from the engine components into the sump where you measure it.
Checking oil when the engine is cold gives you the most accurate reading. Some manufacturers recommend checking oil while warm, but most Australian vehicles follow the cold engine method. Your owner’s manual specifies which approach your car needs.
Wait 10 minutes after driving to get an accurate oil level reading, as hot oil takes time to settle in the sump.
Locate and access the dipstick
Open your bonnet using the release latch inside your car, usually near the driver’s side footwell. Secure the bonnet with its support rod or prop. Look for a brightly coloured loop or ring (often yellow or orange) sticking out of the engine block. This handle connects to the dipstick that measures your oil level. Some dipsticks have "Engine Oil" printed on the handle to make them easier to spot.
Step 2. Check the oil level with the dipstick
Pull the dipstick straight out from its tube and wipe the entire metal end clean with your cloth or paper towel. This removes any oil splash that collected on the dipstick while driving. Insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube until it seats properly, then pull it out again immediately. This second reading shows your true oil level.
Pull and clean the dipstick
Grip the dipstick handle firmly and pull upward in one smooth motion. The dipstick slides out easily without force. Wipe from top to bottom along the metal section to remove all oil residue. You need a clean slate for an accurate measurement when you reinsert it.
Push the dipstick back down into the tube until you feel it stop at the bottom. Some dipsticks click into place. Others simply rest against the base of the tube. Leave it inserted for two seconds, then pull it back out to check your oil level.
Read the dipstick markings
Look for two marks near the bottom of the metal section. These marks appear as lines, dots, crosshatched areas, or the words "MIN" and "MAX". The oil film left on the dipstick shows where your level sits between these markers. Your oil should sit near the maximum mark for best engine protection. Anywhere between the minimum and maximum marks means your engine has enough oil to function safely.
If oil sits below the minimum mark or you see no oil on the dipstick at all, you need to add oil immediately to prevent engine damage.
Check the oil colour
Fresh engine oil appears light golden or amber in colour. As oil ages and collects combustion residue, it darkens to brown and eventually black. Black oil still protects your engine but signals you’re approaching your next service interval. Milky or creamy-coloured oil indicates coolant contamination and requires immediate professional attention. This grey or tan appearance means your head gasket or engine seals have failed.
Step 3. Top up and recheck the level
Add oil if your dipstick reading sits below the halfway mark or near the minimum line. You don’t need to top up if the level sits closer to the maximum mark. Most engines need less than one litre to bring the oil from minimum to maximum, though this varies between vehicles.
Locate the oil filler cap
Find the oil filler cap on top of your engine, usually marked with an oil can symbol or the word "Oil". The cap sits separate from the dipstick tube. Twist the cap anticlockwise to remove it and set it aside somewhere clean. Place your funnel into the oil filler opening to prevent spills.
Add oil gradually
Pour in small amounts of 200-250ml at a time, then wait two minutes for the oil to drain down into the sump. This prevents overfilling, which creates excessive pressure in your engine and can damage seals. Check the dipstick level after each pour using the same method from Step 2. Pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read.
Adding too much oil causes as many problems as running too little, so pour slowly and check frequently to avoid overshooting the maximum mark.
Stop adding oil when the level reaches between the halfway point and maximum mark on your dipstick. Wipe any spilled oil from around the filler cap area, replace the cap by turning it clockwise until tight, and push the dipstick back into its tube. Your engine now has proper oil protection.
Extra tips and common questions
Check your oil level monthly even if your car doesn’t show warning lights. Modern vehicles consume oil differently depending on driving conditions, and warning lights only activate when oil drops dangerously low. Regular checks catch problems before they become expensive repairs.
Check hot versus cold oil readings
Some manufacturers specify checking oil while warm, typically after driving then waiting five minutes. Your owner’s manual states which method applies to your vehicle. Cold checks work for most Australian cars and give consistent readings because temperature doesn’t affect the measurement. Warm checks help if your car uses synthetic oil that expands significantly when heated.
What to do if the dipstick shows no oil
Stop driving immediately if you see no oil on the dipstick. Running an engine without sufficient oil destroys internal components within minutes. Add at least one litre of the correct oil grade, wait three minutes, then recheck the level. If the dipstick still reads empty after adding oil, you have a serious leak and need professional help.
If your engine consumes more than half a litre between services, have a mechanic inspect for leaks or internal wear issues.
Dispose of used oil containers at your local council’s waste facility or automotive service centres that accept recycling. Never pour old oil down drains or onto the ground.
Stay on top of your oil checks
Knowing how to check engine oil level gives you control over one of your car’s most important maintenance tasks. Schedule a monthly reminder on your phone or check during your weekly fuel stops to build the habit. Five minutes of prevention stops thousands of dollars in engine repairs and keeps you off the roadside waiting for a tow truck. Regular checks catch small problems before they become major failures.
Your vehicle deserves proper protection beyond regular oil checks. Compare comprehensive car insurance options at National Cover to safeguard your investment with policies designed specifically for Australian drivers. Smart maintenance habits and reliable insurance coverage work together to keep you driving with confidence.
