How To Check Engine Oil Level (And Condition) in Bike

Do you want to check the engine oil level of your bike?

You should change the engine oil of your bike in a certain interval of time, but before doing so, you should know how much engine oil is left in your motorcycle.

In this post, I will tell you how you can check the engine oil level of your bike and also tell you how to check the engine oil condition so that you can decide whether the quality of your oil is good or not.

How To Check Engine Oil Level in Bike?

Follow these steps to check the engine oil level of your bike.

Step 1 – Park the bike on a main stand on a flat surface. If there is no main stand, ask someone to stand by holding it straight.

Step 2 – Start the bike for about 10 minutes and then leave it to cool down for 10 minutes.

Step 3 – Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Step 4 – Put the oil dipstick back in the bike, but remember not to screw it.

Step 5 – Take out the oil dipstick and check to what level it is soaked with oil.

On the oil dipstick, you will get to see the markings of full and low engine oil.

After the above steps, if you get the markings above half, your bike’s engine oil level is good.

But if you find the engine oil level below half or around the low markings, then you need to top up.

Rider’s Note:- Top-up means that the amount of engine oil that has decreased in the bike has to be refilled.

However, instead of the oil dipstick, some bikes give you a window showing the oil level.

To check the engine oil level in bikes with windows, you have to follow steps 1 and 2, as mentioned above, and then note down the markings on the window.

In the window, you will see the markings of full and low, which will tell you whether the engine oil level in your bike is low or high.

What Happens if Engine Oil is Low in Bike?

If you have a low engine oil level but still have not topped it up and are running the bike, you may face many problems.

Heating Issue

If you are riding the bike despite the low engine oil level, then you may get engine heating problems.

As a matter of fact, oil works to lubricate the engine, and when there is a shortage of oil in the engine, the engine will not be lubricated enough; as a result, the parts will heat up due to friction.

Wear & Tear Issue

As I told you, the oil job is to lubricate the engine, but due to its lack, the engine parts start to wear out.

Due to this, the engine starts losing its smoothness and starts making noises.

Engine Seize

Due to the low engine oil level in the bike, the risk of engine seizure increases.

When the parts of the engine friction without any lubricant, then due to the problem of heating, engine seizure can also happen.

This is a very serious problem that can cause significant damage to the engine.

Warranty Issue

Now suppose you notice some problem in the bike and you take it to the service center as the bike is in warranty period.

But if you have not changed the engine oil on time, then your warranty can also be rejected.

Engine Parts Failure

Due to the lack of engine oil, the problem of failure of engine parts can also be seen.

Some parts of the engine, such as the head gasket, may be blown due to a lack of oil, which is a big threat to the engine’s health.

Low Mileage

The mileage of the bike is affected the most due to the reduction of engine oil.

In fact, when the parts of the engine are not lubricated enough, the friction between them will increase due to the lack of smoothness.

Due to this, the mileage of the bike starts decreasing.

Power & Efficiency Loss

Bikes can also lose their power due to a lack of engine oil.

Since the engine loses its smoothness and due to this, it is not able to generate enough power.

How To Check Engine Oil Condition in Bike?

After checking the bike’s engine oil level, you should also check its condition.

Having enough oil in the bike is not only appropriate, but its condition should also be good; it is also necessary.

You can check the condition of engine oil by considering the following aspects.

Color

When you check the engine oil level, please pay attention to its color.

The color of the oil in good condition is light brown, while the darkening of the oil is a sign of its bad condition.

Smell

To check the condition of the engine oil, smell it and find out if there is a smell of burning in it.

Old or bad condition oil smells of burning, and by smelling it, you can find out whether it is good or bad.

Lubrication Level

When the engine oil is in good condition, the level of lubricity in it is high, and the viscosity level is low.

But with time, the viscosity increases, and then the oil is of no use.

To check the viscosity of the oil, put a drop of oil on your finger and check the level of thickness by touching it with the other finger.

The Bottom Line

So this is the step-by-step procedure on how to check the engine oil level of your bike.

Also, I share some tips for checking engine oil conditions without making an appointment at a service center.