{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","text":"\u003Cp\u003EOil and water might not mix, but your car’s engine needs both to keep running. Let either of these vital fluids run low and you’ll be heading towards engine damage or, worse, catastrophic failure.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1695900240290/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.jpeg","alt":"Man checking oil","width":4352,"height":2447},"date":"2020-09-13T18:30:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Maintenance","value":"audiences:relevant-professions/maintenance"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Shell fuels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","text":"\u003Cp\u003EOil and water might not mix, but your car’s engine needs both to keep running. Let either of these vital fluids run low and you’ll be heading towards engine damage or, worse, catastrophic failure.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header.shellimg.jpeg/1695900204479/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.jpeg","alt":"Man checking oil","width":4468,"height":1118},"date":"2020-09-13T18:30:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Sep. 14, 2020"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/author.shellimg.png/1695898653978/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor this reason, checks of your oil and ‘water’ – we say ‘water’ because it has been replaced as an engine-cooling medium by purpose-made liquids called ‘coolants’ – should be a mandatory part of your periodic car-maintenance checklist. Here’s how to do it right.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_958400666","model":{"title":"Engine Oil","text":"\u003Cp\u003EFirst, park your car on level ground. If the engine’s been running, wait about five minutes to ensure the oil settles in the sump and is level. If you haven’t used your car, start the engine to get oil pressure and allow oil to fill the filter. Both methods will help you get a more accurate reading.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENext, locate the engine-oil dipstick – your owner’s manual will tell you where it is – pull it out and clean it with a lint-free rag. (A dirty cloth or newspaper may introduce nasty contaminants.) Then reinsert it and pull it out again, and see if the oil level falls within the minimum and maximum markers.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf it’s closer to minimum, you’ll need to purchase \u003Cb\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/oils-lubricants/lubematch.html\"\u003Ethe correct grade of oil\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/b\u003E and top up via the engine-oil filler – your owner’s handbook will offer guidance for both, but the latter is typically on top of the engine.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways add oil in small amounts to avoid overfilling, periodically checking via the dipstick. A funnel will help immeasurably.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_1250604827","model":{"title":"Engine coolant","text":"\u003Cp\u003EThe big rule for any cooling-system check is to make sure the engine is completely cold, because the system not only reaches incredibly high temperatures, it is also pressurised. Opening it up while hot can result in an explosion of boiling water and steam.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EChecking your coolant level is as simple as locating the coolant-overflow reservoir – again, look in your owner’s manual – and seeing if the level sits between the minimum and maximum marks. As with oil checks, you want to be parked on level ground for an accurate reading. To top up, unscrew the coolant-reservoir cap, then carefully fill to the maximum marker.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your car doesn’t have a coolant reservoir (many older ones don’t), open the radiator cap and look inside the filler neck. If you can’t see coolant, top it up until the coolant reaches the bottom of the neck. Make sure the radiator cap is properly retightened.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EDifferent cars require different types of coolant, so check your owner’s manual before purchasing. Never top-up with tap water – it can cause corrosion inside your engine and lacks the anti-boil and anti-freeze components to stop it overheating, or freezing up in sub-zero temperatures.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Maintenance","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=audiences%3Arelevant-professions%2Fmaintenance"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fdrive-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple/text_145045155","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sup\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EWhere information, recommendations, opinions or ideas have been sourced from third parties external to Viva Energy (Third Party Information), Viva Energy cannot be certain that the Third Party Information is accurate, current or complete, nor should a mention of any business, product, service or website of a third party be taken as a recommendation, approval or endorsement of, or warranty or claim regarding, that business, product, service or website.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/text","model":{"title":"Recommended articles"}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Apr. 09, 2020\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"How To Ensure Your Vehicle Is Hygienically Clean","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-ensure-your-vehicle-is-hygienically-clean.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author.shellimg.png/1695900057571/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author_112104906","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on May 10, 2021\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"Under The Hood: A DIY Engine Oil Top-Up","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/under-the-hood-a-diy-engine-oil-top-up.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author_112104906.shellimg.png/1695900063159/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author_1933685230","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Feb. 29, 2020\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"My First Car - New Vs Used","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/my-first-car-new-vs-used.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160/author_1933685230.shellimg.png/1695900069390/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}}],"colspan":4,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_172219160","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.XF","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section/experience_fragment","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Shell fuels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels","text":"Oil and water might not mix, but your car’s engine needs both to keep running. Let either of these vital fluids run low and you’ll be heading towards engine damage or, worse, catastrophic failure.","date":"2020-09-13T18:30:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Rights and wrongs of checking fluid levels | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. Accordingly, neither Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group endorses, adopts, certifies or otherwise validates the information and material contained on the linked website. This includes its sponsor and any policies, activities or services offered on the site, by any advertiser on the site or linked to the site.\r\nThank you for visiting the Shell website."},{"name":"themeMode"},{"name":"lastModified","value":"2026-07-15T12:44:49.834Z"},{"name":"dateModified","value":"2026-01-21T00:00Z"},{"name":"themeName","value":"base"},{"name":"themePath","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base"},{"name":"themeCss","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base.ACSHASHb291465fc8d3c7bcefde74d34044b698.css"}],"tags":[{"name":"Maintenance","value":"audiences:relevant-professions/maintenance"},{"name":"Drive Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/drive-well"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1695900240290/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels.jpeg","alt":"Man checking oil","width":4352,"height":2447}},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/rights-and-wrongs-of-checking-fluid-levels/jcr_content"}