Driving in winter: The oil level should be checked regularly
Created: 11/24/2022, 06:00
By: Simon Mones
Even in winter, the oil level should be checked every two weeks.
If it needs to be refilled, the right amount is important.
The list of things drivers need to think about is endless.
This applies to both summer and winter.
After all, the vehicle should be in top condition and safe at all times of the year.
For example, the air pressure in the tires should be checked regularly.
The same applies to the oil level.
The latter is also particularly important in winter because the warm-up phases are longer at lower temperatures and more oil is therefore consumed, as TÜV Rheinland explained to the dpa.
Accordingly, the engine no longer reaches the necessary operating temperature on short journeys.
In petrol engines, the oil level can even increase because of the fuel enrichment.
The oil level should be checked every 14 days.
©Panthermedia/Imago
Driving in winter: The oil level should be checked regularly
But how often should drivers check the oil level?
The recommendation is: every 14 days, depending on the mileage.
In addition, it should always be checked at the same time and the car should be on a horizontal surface.
In some cases, further model-specific specifications can be found in the operating instructions.
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If the oil level is checked after refuelling, you should wait a few minutes beforehand.
The reason: the lubricant first has to collect again in the oil pan.
The level should always be between the minimum and maximum marks.
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Driving in winter: Don't forget to change the oil
If the oil level is too low, it should be refilled as soon as possible.
However, opened canisters do not last forever.
Drivers should also be careful not to top up with too much oil, as overfilling can damage the engine seals.
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Also important: pay attention to the temperature equalization of the lubricant.
Cold oil should never be poured into a hot engine, as this can lead to material stress and micro-cracks in the engine.
In addition to checking the oil level, drivers should not forget to change the oil regularly.