How to check your engine oil level
- Fundamental Foundation
- Jun 29
- 1 min read
If your oil level keeps dropping and you constantly need to top it up, it’s a sign something’s wrong. Here’s a breakdown of likely causes and signs to watch for:
1. Oil leaks
- External leaks from the oil pan, valve cover gasket, oil filter, or oil drain plug.
- Signs: Oil spots under the car, oil residue on engine parts, burning oil smell.
2. Worn piston rings or cylinder walls
- Causes oil to slip into the combustion chamber and burn with fuel.
- Signs: Blue smoke from exhaust, poor acceleration, increased fuel use.
3. Faulty falve seals
- Oil seeps into cylinders through the valves.
- Signs: Blue smoke during startup or after idling.
4. PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve failure
- A bad PCV valve can cause oil to be pulled into the intake and burned.
- Signs: Rough idling, oil in the air intake, increased oil consumption.
5. Turbocharger issues
- Oil leaks internally in the turbo.
- Signs: Blue smoke, oil in intercooler piping.
OTHER SIGNS TO CHECK
- Exhaust color: Blue = burning oil, white = coolant leak, black = fuel-related.
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- Low engine compression
- Oil light or check engine light
- Drop in performance or overheating
