How to Check Car Engine Oil: The Complete Beginner’s Guide (Australia 2025)

Why Checking Your Car’s Engine Oil Matters

Imagine you’re driving from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, or cruising along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. The sun is shining, music is playing, and suddenly your dashboard’s oil warning light flickers on. For many beginner drivers, that little light is confusing and even frightening.

Here’s the reality: engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, prevents overheating, and carries away dirt and debris. Without it, your car’s engine could seize, leaving you stranded on the roadside and facing a repair bill that could cost thousands.

The good news? Checking your car’s engine oil is one of the simplest and cheapest maintenance tasks you can do. It takes less than 10 minutes, requires no special tools, and can save you from costly repairs.

What Exactly Does Engine Oil Do?

Engine oil isn’t just “liquid in the engine.” It performs multiple critical functions:

1. Lubrication – reduces friction between moving parts like pistons, valves, and bearings.

2. Cooling – carries heat away from combustion and friction zones.

3. Cleaning – traps dirt, carbon deposits, and metal particles in the oil filter.

4. Sealing – creates a thin film between piston rings and cylinder walls, improving efficiency.

5. Protection – prevents rust, corrosion, and premature wear.

If you drive with too little oil or dirty, degraded oil, your engine risks overheating, losing efficiency, or even failing completely.

How Often Should You Check Engine Oil?

One of the most common beginner questions is: How often do I need to check?

Here’s the rule of thumb:

• At least once a month for regular drivers.

• Before long trips (like Sydney to Brisbane).

• If your car is older (10+ years) or has high mileage, check more often.

• If the oil warning light appears, check immediately.

Factors That Affect Checking Frequency:

• Climate: Australia’s hot summers cause oil to break down faster.

• Driving style: Stop-start city driving uses oil more aggressively than highway cruising.

• Car type: Petrol, diesel, turbocharged, and hybrids all have slightly different oil needs.

What You’ll Need Before Checking

You don’t need a toolbox, but a few basics help:

• Clean rag or paper towels.

• Pair of disposable gloves (optional).

• Flat, level parking surface.

• Owner’s manual (to know the correct oil type).

Step-by-Step: How to Check Engine Oil with a Dipstick

Step 1: Park on Level Ground

Ensure your car is parked flat so oil levels don’t shift.

Step 2: Turn Off the Engine

Switch off the engine and wait 5–10 minutes. This allows oil to drain back into the sump.

Step 3: Open the Bonnet

Pull the bonnet release inside your car (usually near the steering wheel or driver’s footwell). Secure the bonnet with its support rod.

Step 4: Locate the Dipstick

Look for a brightly coloured handle (yellow/orange). That’s your oil dipstick.

Step 5: Pull Out and Clean

Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with your rag.

Step 6: Reinsert and Remove Again

Insert it fully, then pull it out to check the oil level.

Step 7: Read the Level

• Between “Min” and “Max” = Good.

• At or below “Min” = Low, needs topping up.

• Above “Max” = Overfilled, which can damage your engine.

Step 8: Inspect Oil Condition

• Golden-brown and smooth = Healthy.

• Dark and gritty = Needs changing.

• Milky colour = Possible coolant leak (see mechanic immediately).

Step 9: Top Up If Needed

Add the manufacturer-recommended oil (check manual). Pour slowly, recheck the dipstick often.

Step 10: Close Bonnet and Record Check

Make it a habit to jot down when you last checked.

What the Colour of Your Oil Tells You

• Amber/Light Brown – Normal, healthy oil.

• Dark Brown/Black – Oil is dirty; needs changing soon.

• Grey/Milky – Coolant contamination (serious issue).

• Foamy – Possible water contamination or overfilled oil.

Signs of Low or Bad Oil

Even without checking, your car may warn you:

• Oil pressure warning light.

• Strange engine noises (knocking, grinding).

• Overheating.

• Blue or black smoke from exhaust.

• Burning oil smell.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

• Checking immediately after shutting off the engine (oil hasn’t settled).

• Using the wrong oil type (always check manual: e.g., 5W-30).

• Overfilling oil, which can foam and damage seals.

• Ignoring oil colour and smell.

• Forgetting to replace the oil filler cap.

How Often Should You Change Oil?

• Petrol engines (conventional oil): 5,000–7,000 km.

• Synthetic oil: 10,000–15,000 km.

• Diesel engines: Every 7,500–10,000 km.

• Hybrids: Similar to petrol cars but check the manual.

Australian mechanics often recommend every 6 months, even if you don’t reach the km limit, because oil degrades with time.

Cost of Oil Changes in Australia (2025)

• DIY oil + filter change: $80–$150 (depending on oil type).

• Mechanic service: $150–$300.

• Luxury/European cars: $300+.

Tip: Buying oil in bulk and doing it yourself saves money long term, but only if you know how to dispose of used oil properly.

Eco-Friendly Disposal of Used Oil

Never pour old oil down drains or into bins. In Australia, you can:

• Drop off used oil at local council collection points.

• Use Service NSW waste drop-off centres.

• Ask your mechanic to handle disposal.

Improper disposal is illegal and harmful to the environment.

DIY vs Mechanic: Which Is Better?

• DIY – Cheaper, quick, good for learning.

• Mechanic – Professional check, includes oil filter change, warranty compliance.

For beginners, it’s great to check oil yourself monthly but let a mechanic handle full oil changes if you’re unsure.

FAQs

Q1: Can I check oil when the engine is hot?

It’s best to wait 5–10 minutes after shutting off for safety and accuracy.

Q2: What happens if I drive with no oil?

Your engine will seize, requiring a full replacement (cost: $4,000+).

Q3: What if my dipstick shows too much oil?

Don’t drive. Visit a mechanic to drain the excess.

Q4: Do electric cars need engine oil?

No, pure EVs don’t. Hybrids with petrol engines still do.

Q5: Can I mix different brands of oil?

It’s best to stick with one type. Mixing isn’t ideal but won’t cause immediate damage if they’re the same grade.

Conclusion: A Small Task with Big Rewards

Checking your engine oil is one of the simplest car maintenance tasks you’ll ever learn—but it’s also one of the most important. It takes less than 10 minutes, doesn’t cost a cent, and can save you from breakdowns and expensive repairs.

For beginner drivers, mastering this small habit builds confidence and keeps your car running smoothly. Remember: your car’s oil is its lifeblood. Treat it well, and your engine will reward you with years of reliable performance.