Research conducted on behalf of engine oil manufacturer Mobil 1 shows that one in five drivers don’t check their oil until prompted by a low oil level warning. Fair enough, 80% manage, but it’s tremendously important to regularly check oil levels and it’s not difficult.

Furthermore, when it comes to actually checking oil more than half (51.6%) of drivers let someone else do the job, whether that be a friend, relative or someone at a garage. 60.2% of respondents to the survey said they had their oil changed once a month at most, while 45.7% didn’t know what the recommended oil change interval for their car was.

Tim Shallcross, Head of Technical Policy at the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), added: “Oil is the hardest working component in your engine; it makes the moving parts move more easily, keeps the hottest areas cool and absorbs harmful and corrosive exhaust fumes.  A low oil level or missed oil change is the quickest way to wear an engine out, which not only risks hazardous breakdowns, but can also knock hundreds of pounds off the value of your car.”

Mobil 1 has produced a simple how-to for checking and topping up your engine oil, reproduced below.

• Park on a level surface, turn off the engine and wait for 3-4 minutes to allow oil to settle.
• Find the dipstick, pull it out, wipe and re-dip before taking reading. If reading is less than maximum, check the fill guide to find out which oil grade and viscosity is required and how much you need to add.
• Remove the oil filler cap on top of your engine, add the right amount of oil and replace the cap.
• Wait 60 seconds to allow oil to drain into your engine, then follow step 2 again. Add more oil if necessary and replace the oil filler cap.