How to tell how much engine oil is left: a comprehensive analysis and practical guide
Engine oil is the "blood" of the engine, and its remaining quantity and quality directly affect the performance and life of the vehicle. However, many car owners are confused about how to accurately determine the remaining amount of engine oil. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with structured data and methods to help you easily master the skills of checking the remaining oil level.
1. The importance of the remaining amount of engine oil

The main functions of engine oil are lubrication, cooling, cleaning and rust prevention. If the engine oil is insufficient or deteriorates, it will lead to increased engine wear, increased fuel consumption, and even serious failure. Therefore, regularly checking the remaining amount of engine oil is an important part of vehicle maintenance.
2. How to check the remaining amount of engine oil
The following are common ways to check the remaining amount of engine oil:
| method | Operation steps | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Oil dipstick inspection method | 1. Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine and let it sit for 10 minutes. 2. Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean and reinsert it. 3. Pull out the oil dipstick again and observe the oil level mark. | The oil level should be between "MIN" and "MAX". If it is too low, add oil; if it is too high, drain the oil. |
| Electronic oil monitoring system | 1. Start the vehicle and enter the instrument panel menu. 2. Select the Oil Life or Oil Quantity option. | Some high-end models require certain conditions (such as idling) to display accurate data. |
| Professional testing tools | 1. Use an oil tester or professional equipment from a 4S store. 2. Connect to the vehicle OBD interface or directly sample and detect. | Suitable for precise measurements, but requires professionals to operate. |
3. Frequently asked questions about the remaining amount of engine oil
The following are the popular questions and answers about the remaining amount of engine oil on the Internet in the past 10 days:
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The oil dipstick shows normal oil level, but the engine warning light is on | It may be insufficient oil pressure or sensor failure. It is recommended to repair it as soon as possible. |
| Does the engine oil need to be replaced if it turns black? | Blackening of engine oil is a normal phenomenon and does not mean it has failed. It needs to be judged based on mileage and time. |
| Reasons for excessive oil consumption | Common causes include engine wear, aging seals, or aggressive driving habits. |
4. Maintenance suggestions for the remaining amount of engine oil
1.Regular inspection: It is recommended to check the remaining oil level every 1000 kilometers or every month.
2.Choose the right engine oil: Select engine oil according to vehicle manual recommended viscosity and specifications.
3.Replace in time: Ordinary mineral oil should be replaced every 5,000 kilometers, and fully synthetic engine oil can be extended to 10,000 kilometers.
4.Pay attention to driving habits: Avoid driving at high speed for a long time to reduce oil consumption.
5. The relationship between the remaining amount of engine oil and vehicle performance
The remaining amount of engine oil directly affects the operating status of the engine. The following is the correlation data between engine oil volume and performance:
| Remaining amount of engine oil | Engine performance | Risk warning |
|---|---|---|
| Above the MAX line | Power decreases, fuel consumption increases | May damage three-way catalytic converter |
| normal range | Smooth operation and normal noise | None |
| Below the MIN line | Increased noise and weak acceleration | Risk of engine wear is extremely high |
6. Summary
Correctly judging the remaining amount of engine oil is a basic skill for vehicle maintenance. Regular inspections through the oil dipstick, electronic system or professional tools, combined with the actual use of the vehicle, can ensure that the engine is always in optimal working condition. If abnormal consumption or deterioration of engine oil is found, it should be repaired in time to avoid greater losses.
Final reminder: The engine oil inspection methods may be slightly different for different models, so be sure to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual. Develop good engine oil checking habits and let your car stay with you longer!
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