

Regularly topping up your engine oil is essential to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. You should check and top up your oil at least every three months or 3,000 miles between services to ensure proper lubrication, reduce friction and prevent costly damage to vital engine components. Using the correct oil is equally important — high-quality options like Shell Helix are specially formulated with the right additives and viscosity grades to protect against wear, support engine cooling, maintain cleanliness by trapping contaminants, and optimise overall performance and longevity.

Engine oil lubricates your vehicle’s moving parts, reducing friction and helping your engine run smoothly. Over time, oil levels drop and the remaining oil becomes dirty, forcing your engine to work harder, which reduces efficiency and increases wear on components. If oil levels get too low or the oil becomes too old, engine parts can wear out faster, overheat, or even seize—leading to costly repairs.
Park your vehicle on a level surface and let the engine cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows the oil to settle into the sump for an accurate reading.
Open the bonnet and locate the dipstick, usually marked with a bright handle. Some modern cars may not have a dipstick, so check your vehicle’s display or manual instead.
Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean.
Reinsert it fully, then remove it again to check the oil level.
The dipstick will have two marks indicating the ideal range. If the oil is below the minimum mark, it’s time to top up.
Make sure you’re using the correct engine oil for your vehicle. You can find this in your owner’s manual or by seeking advice from our technicians. Pour in the oil gradually, checking the level regularly to avoid overfilling.