Can I add engine oil myself if it's low?
3 Answers
You can add engine oil yourself if it's low. The reasons for low engine oil are: 1. Aging valve oil seals, where the rubber loses elasticity causing poor sealing, allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn; 2. Cylinder liner wear or insufficient piston ring tension; 3. Excessive clearance between piston rings and cylinder walls, improper piston ring installation, or degraded sealing, weakening the oil ring's oil scraping function; 4. Excessive wear between the guide and valve stem, allowing oil droplets from the valve cover to enter the combustion chamber through the gap while driving; 5. The crankcase ventilation valve sticking and failing to move, losing its function to control ventilation, causing excessive oil vapor in the crankcase to enter the intake pipe through the crankcase ventilation tube.
I usually maintain my car by myself. If the engine oil is low, I can definitely top it up, but I need to pay attention to the method. Find the correct oil type, for example, as stated in the manual, like 5W-30, and don’t buy other types randomly. After turning off the engine, let it cool for a few minutes, then pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to check if the level is between Min and Max. If it’s too low, buy a bottle of matching oil and use a funnel when pouring to prevent spills. From my own experience: adding half a bottle is usually enough—don’t fill it to the top to avoid foaming, which can damage the engine. Also, after topping up, drive around for a bit and check if the oil level stabilizes. Be cautious if the oil frequently runs low, as it might indicate an engine oil leak or burning oil, which requires early inspection to avoid bigger issues. Overall, doing it yourself is simple and saves money, but don’t overlook the details. Beginners are advised to learn from tutorials or ask a friend for help first.
Topping up engine oil when it's low is generally fine, but I approach it from a safety perspective. First, ensure the car is parked on level ground and turned off, then check the dipstick when the engine is cold. If it's slightly low, add the same type of oil. However, be cautious about potential issues: if the oil level drops rapidly, it might indicate worn seals causing leaks, and simply topping up could mask a serious problem. I've seen a case where a neighbor topped up oil only to have the engine overheat later—turns out they missed oil spots on the ground. So, before adding, do a quick check under the car for leaks. Pour slowly to avoid spills, and monitor the oil level for a few days afterward. If needed, visit a professional shop for diagnostics. While topping up works as a temporary fix, it's not a long-term solution—regular maintenance is always safer.
