Show me, tell me question - oil level

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You may be asked to "Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil."

Don't panic - you won't have to get your hands dirty. Rather than actualy check the oil, you just have to point at the dipstick and explain what to do. Easy.

The moving parts of the engine need oil to lubricate them. Without oil the engine will quickly wear, and ultimately destroy itself. Don't worry, if there is a problem a warning light will show on your instruments, giving you time to stop somewhere safe and check.

This image shows under the bonnet of a modern car. The dipstick and filler are marked

The dipstick is simply a metal (errr) stick which goes to the bottom of the engine, where the oil is. The car needs to be switched off for a few minutes to let the oil drain to the bottom of the engine.

You dip the stick into the oil to see where the level is. The filler is where you put oil in.

Make sure your car is parked on a level surface, and wait a few minutes after switching the engine off to let the oil drain to the bottom.

When checking the oil, take the dipstick out and wipe it (you won't have to do this on test). This picture shows the dipstick after it has been wiped, with the maximum and minimum levels marked.

Then put the dipstick in again, and remove it to see the oil level. Here the oil is OK, between the minimum and maximum marks.

Check the oil level in your car at least once a week and before long journeys.

• Don't over-fill the oil. Too much will cause damage to the catalytic converter (which cleans the exhaust) and maybe cause leaks and other problems.
• There are many types of oil! Modern cars are very fussy about which type you feed them. Your car handbook will guide you.
• Remember - RTFM!! Read The Flippin' Manual - before doing this on your own car.

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