Keeping your engine properly lubricated is essential to avoid costly repairs. To check engine oil, switch off the engine, let it cool, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check that the oil level sits between the minimum and maximum marks. Regular oil checks ensure your engine runs smoothly, prevents low oil pressure, and keeps all moving parts protected.
Why Engine Oil Is Important
Keeping your car's engine oil topped up is Maintenance 101: if you know almost nothing about vehicle maintenance, you should still understand the importance of keeping your motor well-oiled!
The oil in your car engine absorbs heat, reduces friction, and cleans the moving parts. Over time, oil breaks down and needs to be replaced.
If you delay or forget about topping up oil in your car, the moving parts in your engine will overheat, leading to locked-up cams and 'frozen' pistons.
The oil should be refreshed long before it starts to break down.
Engine Oil Prices in 2026
Oil prices have risen slightly in recent years due to global supply changes. Here’s a snapshot for 2026:
Brand | Type | Typical Price (5L) | Notes |
Castrol GTX | Conventional | £25–£30 | Basic protection, widely available |
Mobil 1 | Fully Synthetic | £50–£60 | High-performance engines |
Shell Helix Ultra | Synthetic | £45–£55 | Good for long intervals |
Total Quartz | Synthetic Blend | £35–£45 | Balanced price/performance |
Liqui Moly High Mileage | High Mileage | £45–£55 | For older engines |
Prices may vary depending on retailer, promotions, and oil specification.
How Often Should You Change Engine Oil?
How frequently you change your car oil depends on various factors, including vehicle age, driving style and climate (i.e. very hot or very cold).
"Every 3,000 miles" was once the rule of thumb for oil changes, but modern synthetic oils tend to last longer than this - between 5,000 and 7,000 miles.
However, it's best to err on the side of caution - especially if your vehicle is old or you drive at higher speeds.
Consider an early oil change if you've recently embarked on a longer trip, or a series of longer trips.
Bottom line: always adhere to the recommendations set out in your owner’s manual.
Signs your vehicle needs an oil change
Keep an eye out for:
- Oil warning light or engine error light – indicates low oil level or oil pressure issues
- Increased engine noise – knocking or rattling sounds may indicate insufficient lubrication
- Oil or fuel smell inside the cabin – could indicate a leak or overheating
- Smoke from the exhaust – a serious warning that your engine should be checked immediately
Regularly checking for these signs can prevent major engine damage.
How to check your engine's dipstick oil level
Oil monitoring systems don’t always work as they should. It’s important you are checking oil levels manually and on a regular basis.
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down
- Find a rag or paper towel for wiping the dipstick
- Open the bonnet and look for a yellow or orange ringed handle on your engine: this will be the dipstick. (Don’t confuse this with the automatic transmission fluid dipstick, found on automatic vehicles). Consult your owner's manual if unsure
- Remove the dipstick and wipe off excess oil
- Replace the dipstick, wait a few seconds, then pull it out again
- How much oil should be on the dipstick? If the oil level is below the minimum fill level mark (or just above it), you should change your oil
How to top up engine oil in your car
- Identify the oil cap; this should have the required oil type printed on it
- Turn the cap anti-clockwise to undo it, and lift it off
- Insert a funnel (one that has a strain to catch debris)
- Pour the oil into the funnel
- Wait for the oil to settle then double check the oil level is correct with the dipstick (see above)
Too much oil: dipstick problems
If the oil level is slightly above the maximum mark, there should not be an issue. However, if it is significantly above the upper mark, you should drain and refill the oil to the correct level.
Find out how much oil your car takes.
Different Types of Engine Oil
Oil Type | Description | Best For |
Conventional | Made from crude oil with additives | Older cars, budget-conscious |
Synthetic | Refined, man-made oil | Modern engines, longer intervals |
Synthetic Blends | Mix of conventional and synthetic | General use, balanced performance |
High Mileage | Minimises burn-off and leaks | Older engines with >75,000 miles |
Viscosity matters: check your manual for specifications such as 0W40. The first number indicates cold-temperature flow, the second number shows hot engine viscosity.
Car engine oil myths
Here are three common misconceptions about engine oil.
Myth 1: Black oil should be changed immediately.
Motor oil darkens when exposed to high engine temperatures - since it oxidises. It can also darken as it picks up by-products through combustion.
Darker oil does not mean the oil is dirty or ineffective.
However, 'gritty' or 'grainy' oil should be changed promptly - since this means the oil really is dirty.
Everything you need to know before buying and changing oil
Myth 2: Thicker oil offers more engine protection
This is generally untrue, although thicker oil can be useful for older cars where the engine parts have worn down more over time.
Using thicker oil on a newer car can reduce engine efficiency.
Lower viscosity oil is often recommended for newer cars - since it aids fuel efficiency.
Myth 3: All oil additives are the same
Additives vary across oil products; different additives help engines in different ways.
For example, particular additives will be used in oil for high pressure, heavy use vehicles (like sports cars).
Find out how to choose the right oil for your car.
Keeping your engine well-lubricated is simple but crucial. Regularly checking oil dipstick levels, topping up with the correct type, and monitoring for low oil pressure warning signs can save thousands in repairs.
