Going on vacation or a long weekend? Then you should check beforehand whether your car has enough engine oil. Measuring the oil level is very simple: open the hood - and follow our eight steps.

This is what you need:

• Kitchen paper
• Engine oil
• Gloves if necessary

Cost: approx. 25 euros for the oil

By the way: Not sure which oil is right for your car? Then read the operating instructions beforehand to be on the safe side.

Step 1: Open the hood

This works differently for every model. You often pull a lever in the footwell. Important: The engine must be switched off and cooled down. Before you measure the oil level.

Step 2: Pull up the bonnet

Secure the hood - for example with a metal rod attached to the inside of the hood. Check that it holds.

Step 3: Pull out the dipstick

On most types of car, you can recognize it by its bright color. It has a ring to make it easier to pull it out.

Step 4: Wipe off the oil

Before you can measure the oil level, you must first clean the dipstick. The best way to do this is with a kitchen paper towel.

Step 5: Put it back in

Now push the rod into the hole as far as it will go so that the oil leaves a fresh mark. Then pull it out again.

Step 6: Check the oil level

There is a minimum and a maximum indentation in the rod. If the oil mark is in the area in between, everything is OK.

Step 7: Open the oil tank

If you have noticed when checking the oil level that the mark is below the minimum, you need to top up the oil. To do this, unscrew the rotary knob with the small oil can.

Step 8: Top up the engine oil

Now pour the oil into the oil tank. Wait a few minutes and then measure the level again. Top up if necessary - done.