How to Add Engine Oil to Your Car

You can save some money by learning how to change the engine oil in your car. While each car model may have its own specific details, anyone can refill engine oil as long as they’re willing to learn and get their hands a little dirty. However, remember that adding oil is not a substitute for an oil change.

Check the oil after the engine has been off for 5 minutes. If you check the oil right after turning off the engine, you might get inaccurate results because some oil remains on top of the engine. Park on a flat surface to ensure you’re checking the oil on level ground.

• Most car manufacturers recommend checking oil after warming up the engine by idling for 3-5 minutes. Refer to the owner's manual if unsure.
• For safety, it’s a good idea to check the oil monthly or more frequently if you drive long distances.

Lift the car’s hood. Typically, you’ll need to pull a small lever or press a button near the driver’s seat to release the hood latch. Then, slide your hand between the hood and the body of the car until you feel a small lever, usually located in the middle of the hood. Press this lever inward to fully open the hood.

Locate the dipstick. This is a small cap, usually yellow, with a ring on top, and it is often labeled "Engine Oil". Even without these distinguishing features, it is still easy to find. The dipstick is a metal rod that extends into the oil pan, and its position indicates how much oil is in the engine. It is generally located near the front of the car, with a bright-colored handle that can be pulled out without touching the oil.

Pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry cloth. As the engine runs, oil splashes onto the dipstick, so it’s important to wipe it clean and dip it back in to get an accurate reading. Pay attention to the markings near the middle or end of the dipstick—usually dots, lines, squares with slashes, or bends. The highest mark is "Full", and the proper oil level should be somewhere in between these two marks.

Dip the stick back in and pull it out again to check the oil level. This time, focus on where the oil level sits on the stick. The oil should be closer to the top mark than the bottom one, ideally as close as possible. However, there’s no need to add oil unless the level is at or below the lowest mark.

• If the oil level is near the lowest mark and you’re unsure whether to add more, continue driving and check again after 2-3 weeks.

Inspect and evaluate the dipstick. Is the oil black, brown, or clear? Is the dipstick itself clean or does it show dark stains or debris? Fresh oil is usually a light brown color, but over time it darkens due to carbon buildup from the combustion process and exposure to heat. The color also depends on the mileage the car has been driven. For example, if you’re driving an older car that’s covering 8000 km a month, it might burn about 1 liter of oil every month.

• If the oil appears milky or white, the car may have a coolant leak, and you should get it repaired immediately.
• If the oil contains metal shavings or particles, take the car to a mechanic immediately.
• If the oil looks dirty or like sludge, it’s time to change the oil.
• You should not be adding oil every few weeks or months, as this is a sign of a leak.

Use the recommended oil type from your owner's manual. While there are several reasons to avoid the recommended oil, doing so may not necessarily make purchasing oil any more convenient. Understanding the numbers and specifications on engine oil packaging can help you make a better decision and ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.

How to assess the viscosity of the oil. Viscosity represents the thickness of a liquid or the friction of its flow. Higher viscosity means the oil flows more slowly because it's thicker (like how yogurt is thicker than regular milk). Oil viscosity is indicated by two numbers in a pair, like 10W-30 or 20W-50. The first number followed by 'W' shows the oil's winter rating, indicating how well it flows in cold temperatures when it becomes thicker. The second number refers to how well the oil maintains its thickness under heat.

• The first number should be at least 5W or lower if you live in extremely cold regions (check the vehicle's manual), as oil can become too thick and prevent the engine from starting if the winter viscosity is too high.
• Your car's manual will indicate the recommended viscosity for your vehicle. Some older cars use single-grade oils, which are marked with only one number.

Check your manual for certification requirements for the engine oil used in your vehicle. This ensures that your vehicle operates well and is still under warranty. Different oils meet various certification standards, such as API and ILSAC. Make sure the oil you choose complies with the manufacturer's specifications.

• As technology advances, some certification standards change. The current API grade is SL, though earlier grades included SJ and SI. Once again, consult your vehicle's manual to determine which oil your engine requires.

Use synthetic oil for luxury vehicles or those operating in extreme conditions. While synthetic oils offer better performance, they are more expensive than comparable mineral oils.

• However, fully-blended oils are still acceptable, so you don’t need to spend extra on synthetic oils if they are too costly.

Do not use multi-grade oil for older vehicles. If your car is running smoothly with single-grade oil (one viscosity number), stick with it. Switching could lead to sludge buildup in the engine, causing problems. Keep using the oil your vehicle is accustomed to—switching to a higher-performance oil will likely just cause more issues.

• Consider switching to a higher-grade oil (such as 40 or 30) during the summer months when it's hot, instead of using multi-grade oils like 20W-40.

Refill the oil if the dipstick reading is near the lowest mark. You should refill oil immediately if the level is at or below the minimum mark to prevent damage. However, refilling oil is not a substitute for periodic oil changes.

• Be sure to check the manual to determine how often you need to change your oil—typically after every 5,000km to 30,000km. Most experts recommend changing oil every 8,000km.

Purchase the correct oil for your vehicle. Check the owner's manual to find the recommended oil for your car, or consult with a mechanic. Avoid using oil types different from the recommended one unless you have a valid reason—the oil will not improve performance unless it is specifically made for your car model.

Lift the car hood. You must pull a small lever or press a button near the driver's seat to unlock the hood. Then, go to the front of the car and run your hand between the hood and the body until you find the lever, usually located at the center of the hood. Press the lever inward to fully open the hood.

Locate the oil fill cap. The oil fill cap typically has the word "oil" and an image of an oil can above it. If you can't find it, refer to the owner's manual, although it is usually positioned near the front of the vehicle, close to the engine and the dipstick. Unscrew the cap and set it aside.

Check the dipstick to determine how much oil to add. Typically, the difference between the low and high marks on the dipstick is about 1 liter, so you can use this information to estimate how much oil you need to add. For example, if the oil level is between the two marks, you need to add half a liter. However, it’s best to add oil in increments of 0.25 liters to avoid overfilling, as overflow can cause serious engine issues.

Add oil slowly into the reservoir and check frequently. Pour the oil for 2-3 seconds, then wait for a minute before checking with the dipstick. Clean the dipstick after each check, add a little oil, and check again. You should fill the oil up to the highest mark on the dipstick without causing any overflow.

• Using a funnel can help you pour the oil more easily without spilling it on the engine.

Close the oil fill cap. It's rare to need more than 1 liter of oil. If you do, there’s likely a serious issue with the engine, and you should check the oil again in a week to see if there are any leaks. If there are no leaks, the car should run fine. Remember to change the oil when it becomes dirty or after your car reaches 8,000 km.

• Engine oil
• Funnel
• Rag, paper towel, or cloth (for cleaning the dipstick)

• Search online for the manufacturer's name, model, and year of your vehicle if you're unsure about which type of oil to use.

• Keep flames away from the engine while working.
• Be cautious when servicing the vehicle while the engine is still hot.