What is the dipstick for car engine oil
The car oil dipstick is a tool used to check the oil level in the engine. It determines the condition of the engine lubrication system by measuring the height of the oil level.
Structure and Function
The dipstick is usually made of metal and is inserted into the engine oil hole to measure the liquid level. The scale is divided into two marks: the lowest (MIN) and the highest (MAX). By observing the position of the engine oil level, it can be determined whether the engine oil needs to be replenished or replaced.
Correct usage method
Youdaoplaceholder0 Environmental requirements : Before inspection, the vehicle should be parked on a level road. After turning off the engine, wait for at least 20 minutes to ensure that the engine oil has completely returned to the oil pan.
Youdaoplaceholder0 operating steps :
After pulling out the dipstick, wipe it clean and then reinject it. Make sure it is fully inserted to avoid measurement deviations.
After pulling it out again, observe the liquid level position. The ideal state is slightly below the MIN and MAX marks (approximately three quarters of the mark).
Precautions
If the liquid level is below the MIN line, engine oil should be replenished in time. If it exceeds the MAX line, it may cause problems such as reduced power and increased fuel consumption.
The replacement cycle varies for different types of engine oil (mineral oil every 5,000 kilometers or 6 months, and fully synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers or so), but it should be adjusted according to the actual usage conditions.
The engine lubricating oil system generally includes the lubricating oil storage system, lubricating oil distribution system, and lubricating oil indication system, etc. According to the "Airworthiness Standards for Transport Aircraft", the lubricating oil level indicator must be equipped with an oil dipstick or equivalent device to indicate the lubricating oil level in each lubricating oil tank. The dipstick is a simple-structured liquid level gauge that can directly display the height of the lubricating oil level in the lubricating oil tank.
The function of the oil dipstick is not merely to check the level of engine lubricating oil. Experienced drivers or maintenance personnel can discover many dynamic conditions of the engine's operation by inspecting the oil dipstick. Thus, it can maintain the engine, promptly identify the causes of faults and accidents, prevent further deterioration of faults, etc., respond quickly, make correct judgments, and provide reliable basis. It can be said that the quality of using the oil dipstick plays a crucial role in prolonging the service life of the engine.
Due to the existence of a curved path in the insertion hole of the dipstick, it is required that the deformation of the dipstick during insertion can rebound and return to its original shape when it is pulled out. For this reason, the material of the dipstick is generally made by cutting 0.8mm thick 65Mn steel plates in the annealed state into 327mm×5mm steel bars. One end of the steel bar is made with an assembly hole, while the head of the other end is warped. The two middle parts are folded and pressed into shape, and then undergo quenching and tempering heat treatment.
Due to the overheating sensitivity of 65Mn steel, quenching cracks occur and it also has temper brittleness. To reduce the uneven thermal stress and organizational stress caused by overheating of the dipstick, which leads to deformation and cracking during quenching and tempering, a certain manufacturer adopts a heat treatment process of salt bath heating (860 ℃) quenching and low-temperature tempering at 250 ℃. However, the 65Mn steel was subjected to high-temperature corrosion on the surface of the dipstick through salt bath quenching, resulting in severe corrosion pitting. After being stored in the warehouse for 48 hours, the surface began to rust, which not only affected the appearance quality of the product but also contaminated the lubricating oil during use.
The correct use of the oil dipstick: A considerable number of engines have suffered from bearing seizure accidents due to drivers' lack of attention to checking the oil dipstick or improper use of it, resulting in engine disassembly and serious economic losses.
The oil dipstick is most accurately checked when it is stationary.
After a night or half an hour of parking, when checking the oil dipstick, make sure to accurately identify the correct oil level. Do not look at one side of the dipstick; instead, look at both sides, with the less visible side as the standard. If you are not sure, wipe it clean before checking. Looking at only one side may sometimes create a false impression due to the oil on the tube wall adhering to the dipstick.
Under normal circumstances, one should not relax either. Check the oil dipstick once or twice a day.
Under abnormal circumstances, including when the engine's sealing performance declines, oil consumption increases, or there are internal or external leaks that have not been dealt with, it is even more necessary to conduct frequent inspections. If there is a shortage, it should be replenished immediately. Engine oil in the engine is like blood in the human body and cannot be handled with the slightest carelessness.
After a malfunction occurs, it is even more important to check the oil dipstick. For instance, if there is internal damage or so, the oil dipstick should be inspected promptly.
When checking the oil dipstick, one should not only focus on the quantity but also pay attention to the qualitative changes.
Be vigilant of oil dipstick malfunctions: The most common malfunctions are the oil dipstick sinking and the oil dipstick rising. Sinking: If the upper limit of the oil dipstick is damaged or worn and not repaired in time, causing the oil dipstick to sink, it will result in the oil not being added enough to reach the mark, creating a false impression and increasing the risk of accidents. For some models, the oil dipstick tube can be disassembled. If it is not installed properly, the oil dipstick will rise, which may cause excessive oil intake. In short, extra caution is needed.
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