1. Park your car - Make sure the car is parked on a flat, level surface. For an accurate reading, the engine should be turned off for at least 10 minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan. 2. Open your car's hood - Locate the hood release and pull it. Once you've pulled the release, walk around to the front of your car. Lift up the edge of the hood and look for the hood prop rod, a thin, long metal rod attached to the underside of the hood. Slot this into the hole marked for it on the edge of the engine bay to secure the hood in place. 3. Locate the dipstick - The dipstick is typically a brightly colored loop or hook near the engine. If you can't find it, refer to your car's manual. 4. Remove the dipstick - Once you find it, pull it out slowly and carefully to avoid getting hot oil on your hands or clothes. 5. Wipe off the dipstick - Using a clean rag or paper towel, remove the oil from the end of the dipstick. 6. Reinsert the dipstick - Slowly push the dipstick all the way back in until the top is seated back in the dip tube again. 7. Remove and read the dipstick - Pull it out again and this time look at both sides of the dipstick. You’ll see the oil leaves a light, clear strip between two marked areas. These two areas represent the minimum and maximum oil level. If the oil line is below the minimum level, you will need to add oil. 8. If necessary, add oil - If your oil levels are low, pour a little oil into the funnel, wait a minute for the oil to run down into the engine, then recheck the level. 9. Replace the dipstick - Make sure it is all the way back in its tube to prevent any dirt from getting in. 10. Close the hood - Make sure it is fully closed and latched before driving. Remember to use the oil recommended by your car's manufacturer to ensure the best performance and remember to never overfill your car's oil. Overfilling can cause damage to your engine. Always check the oil when the engine is cold, as hot oil expands and could give a false reading. Always wipe the dipstick clean before taking a reading.

Cleaning an engine block for paint involves meticulous preparation to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts long. Start by removing all attached parts and degreasing the surface with a commercial degreaser to remove oil and grime. Use a wire brush or sandblasting for tough areas to strip rust and old paint. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely. Address any rust spots with rust converter and primer. Before painting, wipe the block down with a tack cloth to remove dust and apply a high-temperature primer specifically designed for engine use. This step is crucial for preventing future corrosion and ensuring the paint sticks. Finally, apply the engine paint in thin, even coats, allowing proper drying time between applications. This method ensures a durable and professional-looking finish that will resist heat and wear over time.

To safely mount an engine on a stand, first, ensure you have the correct stand for your engine's weight. Attach the engine stand mounting plate to the rear of the engine block, using the bolt holes where the transmission would usually connect. Each engine has specific bolts that fit these holes, so use the correct size and type for your engine. Carefully align the engine hoist with the engine, making sure it's securely fastened to prevent any accidents. Once lifted, gently position the engine so that the mounting plate on the engine aligns with the front part of the stand. Secure the engine to the stand using bolts, making sure it's tight and secure to prevent any movement. Always double-check all connections for safety before beginning any work on the engine. Remember, safety first: wear appropriate protective gear and ensure stability before and after mounting the engine.