09 December 2025 18:00 WIB

How to Accurately Read Your Car's Oil Level and Color Using a Dipstick

For those who are too lazy to go back and forth to the repair shop just to check the oil condition, here's some good news: now you can do it yourself at home. All you need is your car's dipstick, a small but important tool that can tell you a lot about the health of your engine.

So, how do you read the oil dipstick correctly? Here's a simple guide you can follow anytime.

1. Make Sure the Car is Parked on a Level Surface

Before opening the hood, make sure the car is parked on a level surface. This is important to ensure accurate oil level readings, without any excess or deficiency due to the car's position.

2. Check the Oil When the Engine is Off

Avoid checking the oil while the engine is still running. Not only will this make the results inaccurate, but the heat from the engine could burn your hands. So, turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain into the reservoir.

3. Open the Hood & Remove the Dipstick

Once the hood is open, pull the dipstick all the way out. Wipe it clean with a cloth, then insert it again and pull it out to see the actual condition.

4. Pay Attention to the Oil Level Indicator

At the end of the dipstick, there are two important points or lines: FULL and LOW. Here's how to read them:

• Oil below the LOW mark

This means you need to add oil immediately. Oil deficiency can occur due to engine consumption or a leak in the lubrication system.

• Oil above the FULL mark

Too much oil is also dangerous. The engine may work harder and performance may decline. Immediately reduce the volume if it is too full.

• Oil is between FULL and LOW

This is ideal. It means the oil capacity is correct and the engine is ready to work optimally.

5. Check the Oil Color

In addition to the level, the color of the oil is also an important indicator:

  • The oil is dark black: it's time to change it. If left unchecked, components can wear out quickly and vehicle performance will decline.
  • Oil is still yellow or light brown: the quality is still good.

With this simple step, checking oil quality no longer requires waiting for a mechanic. Ensure you always use high-quality oil to keep all engine components well-maintained and the vehicle running smoothly.

Happy checking!

 

Indonesia 🇮🇩

 

Cara Akurat Baca Level & Warna Oli Mobil Pakai Dipstick

Buat yang malas bolak-balik ke bengkel hanya untuk ngecek kondisi oli, kabar baiknya: sekarang kamu bisa melakukannya sendiri di rumah. Cukup modal dipstick bawaan mobil, alat kecil tapi penting yang bisa kasih tahu banyak hal soal kesehatan mesin.

Lalu, gimana sih cara membaca dipstick oli yang benar? Berikut panduan simpel yang bisa kamu praktikkan kapan saja.

1. Pastikan Mobil Parkir di Permukaan Rata

Sebelum buka kap mesin, pastikan mobil berhenti di permukaan yang rata. Ini penting supaya hasil pembacaan level oli akurat, nggak miring kelebihan atau kekurangan gara-gara posisi mobil.

2. Cek Oli Saat Mesin Mati

Hindari mengecek oli saat mesin masih hidup. Selain bikin hasilnya nggak akurat, panas mesin bisa bikin tangan kamu melepuh. Jadi, matikan mesin dan tunggu beberapa menit biar oli turun ke bak penampungan.

3. Buka Kap Mesin & Cabut Dipstick

Setelah kap mesin terbuka, tarik dipstick sampai keluar penuh. Bersihkan dulu dengan kain, lalu masukkan lagi dan tarik untuk melihat kondisi sebenarnya.

4. Perhatikan Indikator Level Oli

Pada ujung dipstick terdapat dua titik atau garis penting: FULL dan LOW. Inilah cara membacanya:

• Oli di bawah tulisan LOW

Artinya kamu harus segera menambah oli. Kekurangan oli bisa muncul karena konsumsi mesin atau ada kebocoran di sistem pelumasan.

• Oli melewati tanda FULL

Terlalu penuh juga bahaya. Mesin bisa bekerja lebih berat dan performa jadi loyo. Segera kurangi volumenya kalau sudah kelewatan.

• Oli berada di antara FULL dan LOW

Ini yang ideal. Artinya kapasitas oli pas dan mesin siap bekerja optimal.

5. Lihat Warna Oli

Selain level, warna oli juga jadi indikator penting:

  • Oli menghitam pekat: tandanya sudah waktunya diganti. Kalau dibiarkan, komponen bisa cepat aus dan performa mobil turun.
  • Oli masih kuning atau kecokelatan terang: kualitasnya masih oke.

Dengan langkah sesederhana ini, ngecek kualitas oli sekarang nggak perlu lagi nunggu teknisi bengkel. Pastikan kamu selalu memakai oli berkualitas agar seluruh komponen mesin tetap terawat dan mobil tetap enak diajak jalan.

Selamat mencoba!

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