How to add oil to a car

Content

Part 1 of 3: Park your car on a level surface
Part 2 of 3: Check the oil level
Part 3 of 3: Adding oil to the car

Regular car maintenance can make a huge difference in keeping your car in good condition. For major repairs and special jobs, hiring a professional mechanic from Your Mechanic is a simple and convenient solution, but…

One of these small but important tasks is to make sure your engine has enough oil and top it up if it's low. Newer vehicles have sensors that tell the driver when the oil level is low, but it's still a good idea to check the oil regularly. You need to do this about once a month. And don't worry - even if you're one of those drivers who wouldn't dare to get under the hood of their car, we'll show you how to add oil to your engine in a few easy steps.

Part 1 of 3: Park your car on a level surface

Before checking the current engine oil level or adding oil, make sure your vehicle is parked on a level surface. So you can be sure that you will get accurate readings.

Step 1: Park on a level surface. Check the level of the ground where your car is parked. Make sure the car is parked on a level surface.

Step 2: You must park on a level surface. If the cat is parked on a slope, drive the car on a level surface before checking the oil.

FunctionsA: If you have just started the car, wait 5 to 10 minutes before checking the oil level. You need to give the oil a few minutes to drain from the top of the engine into the tank where the oil is when the machine is not running.

Part 2 of 3: Check the oil level

Checking the oil level is necessary in order to understand whether you need to add oil to the engine or not. If your engine runs out of oil, it can immediately fail because the engine parts will rub against each other. If your engine has too much oil, it can flood the engine or damage the clutch.

So checking the oil level can save you a lot of time and money on unnecessary repairs. And it only takes a few steps to complete this task.

Necessary materials

Clean cloth

Step 1: Pull the hood release lever.. To check the oil, you need to open the hood of your car. Most cars have a lever located somewhere under the steering wheel and near the foot paddles. Just pull the lever and your hood will open. If you can't find the lever, check the owner's manual for its location.

Step 2: Open the safety latch, open the hood.. After releasing the hood, you will need to open the safety latch that prevents the hood from opening on its own. Normally, the safety latch can be opened with a lever under the hood lug. This will allow the hood to fully open.

Step 3: Prop up the open hood. Support the hood open to avoid injury if the hood falls. Some cars have hoods that are left open on their own by hood dampers; however, if you don't, you'll need to make sure you secure it so you can check the oil safely.

First, hold the hood open with one hand and use your other hand to locate the metal bar located either on the underside of the hood or along the edge.
Be sure to attach the hood support to the slot on the underside of the hood or side of the engine console to keep it strong.

Step 4: Find the dipstick. The dipstick is a long, thin piece of metal that is inserted into your vehicle's oil reservoir. It should be easy to find and usually has a small yellow loop or hook at the end to make it comfortable to hold.

Step 5: Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Remove the dipstick from the engine and wipe it with a clean cloth. You need to wipe the dipstick clean so you can get a good reading. After wiping it off, be sure to put it back into the engine.

Functions: Use an old rag, paper towel, or any other cloth you don't need for anything else. Wiping the dipstick will definitely leave oil stains on the fabric, so don't use anything that shouldn't be stained.

Step 6: Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.. Remove the dipstick and read the oil level in your car. There should be two points on the dipstick that determine the minimum and maximum oil levels. The oil level must be between these two points. If the oil level is close to or below the minimum, you should add oil. After reading the level, return the dipstick to its original position.

Functions: The distance between the marks on the dipstick is equal to a liter of oil. If your oil is at the minimum level, you should probably add a liter, although it's wise to add a little at a time to make sure you're not putting in too much at once. The oil is sold in liter plastic bottles.

Part 3 of 3: Adding oil to the car

Now that you have an accurate reading of your engine oil, you are ready to add oil.

A warning: Adding oil to your car is not a substitute for changing the oil. It's important to check your owner's manual for how often you should change your oil, although most experts recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles or every three months. An oil change is more complicated than filling an engine with oil, and one of our field mechanics will be happy to do it for you, wherever your vehicle is located.

Necessary materials

trumpet
Oil (1-2 liters)

Step 1: Make sure you have the correct type of oil. The owner's manual is the perfect place to find out which type of oil to use.

Usually the viscosity of oils is indicated by two different numbers (viscosity is the thickness of the liquid). The first number is followed by the letter W, which indicates how well the oil can circulate in the engine at low temperatures, such as in winter. The second number refers to its thickness at higher temperatures. For example, 10 W - 30.
Because heat thins oil and cold thickens it, it is important to choose an oil that does not become too thin at high temperatures or too thick at low temperatures.
Synthetic oils tend to be more expensive, but they last longer than mineral oil, withstand higher temperatures, and flow better at low temperatures. There is no need to use synthetic oil unless it is specified in the owner's manual.

Step 2: Locate and remove the oil cap on your engine.. The lid is usually clearly marked with the word OIL or a large picture of a can of dripping oil.

Functions: Make sure you find the correct cap. You don't want to accidentally pour oil into another part of the engine, like brake fluid or coolant. When in doubt, check your vehicle owner's manual to find out exactly where the oil cap is located.

Step 3: Place a funnel in the oil spout and add oil.. It is not necessary to use a funnel, but using one can make the process much cleaner. Without a funnel, it is more difficult to pour oil directly into the neck, which can lead to oil overflowing through the engine.

Step 4: Replace the oil cap: After adding oil, replace the oil tank cap and discard the empty oil bottle.

A warning: If you notice that you need to top up your engine oil frequently, your car may have a leak or some other serious condition and should be inspected by a mechanic.

If you notice that the oil on the dipstick is any color other than black or light copper, you should take it to a professional to have it checked, as this could be a sign of a much more serious problem with your engine.