Three out of four Brits don't know how to check the oil in their car, new research from Mobil 1 has revealed.
Even more staggering than this is that nearly half of all drivers questioned didn't actually know what the oil in their car's engine does.
94% of motorists were also unaware that using the correct oil can significantly prolong the life of a car's engine and improve fuel economy.
If you don't check your oil level regularly, or change your oil as part of a regular routine service, you run the risk of seriously damaging your engine and potentially harming the value of your car.
If you're one of the three in four drivers who don't know how to check their oil, we've compiled a handy cut-out-'n'-keep guide to preventing your engine blowing up:
- Park your car on a level surface.
- Lift your bonnet.
- Find the oil dipstick.
- Take it out.
- Wipe it off.
- Put it back in.
- Pull it back out again and check where the oil comes up to.
If the oil level is within the markers on the dipstick, you should be fine so long as you're changing your oil regularly. Some modern cars don't have dipsticks, in which case you'll need to check your owner's manual to see what you need to do. And remember, if you're in doubt, take your car to a garage.
