As a service advisor at an independent repair facility, I’ve had to have “the talk” more than once. While a customer had an idea that “something” was wrong with their car by the time they made it to the service counter, rarely were they ready for “I’m sorry, but your engine is toast.” After all, a lot of cars signal trouble that often goes unnoticed…until it’s too late.

But here’s the dream scenario: Your car’s parked at home. You have a spare few minutes, so you pop the hood, check the dipstick, and realize the oil is low. Next, you top it up. Since it’s the first time you’re noticing a low level between changes, you decide to call your local shop to see what’s up.

This simple practice would have saved many of my customers from a painful (and preventable) diagnosis.

Low oil can be a sneaky engine killer

Oil lubricates moving parts. Without it, metal grinds on metal, friction builds, and heat spikes. Oil also carries heat away from critical components, preventing hotspots.

When levels drop, the remaining oil works harder, picking up debris and forming sludge that can block passages. Dry seals lead to leaks, which in turn accelerate oil loss.

Modern cars warn you with lights, but those signals can come too late. This is especially the case with inexperienced drivers, those who skip maintenance intervals, or folks who attempt to chance a flashing “check engine” light by gunning it to the nearest exit instead of pulling over right away.

Checking your engine oil is free and simple

Here’s how it’s done:

• Grab a clean paper towel or rag
• Park on a level surface
• Let your engine cool
• Open the hood and locate the dipstick, usually marked with a bright handle
• Pull it, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it again to inspect the oil level

The level should sit between the minimum and maximum marks. Oil should also be amber or light brown; if it’s thick, gritty, or black, plan for a change.

If levels are low, add the recommended oil gradually, rechecking until it reaches the proper mark. Your owner’s manual or a quick Google will tell you the model’s oil capacity. Keep a simple log of date, mileage, and oil condition to track trends.

This habit pays off

Once you get in the habit of checking the oil level, you’ll start to get familiar with what things look like under the hood. This is a great thing. You might spot an early fluid leak before it gets bad enough to damage vehicle systems, or notice other conditions that seem “off.”

A quart of oil costs a few dollars, and checking takes literally two minutes. You catch problems early, spot leaks, and avoid surprise engine damage. Skipping one check can hurt. Skipping all of them, though, can leave you wondering whether to spend thousands to fix your car or buy another one…well before you’re really ready to decide.