Can I add engine oil myself if it's low?
2 Answers
You can directly add engine oil yourself if it's low. However, you must ensure that the oil you add is of the same brand and type, and mixing different oils is not allowed. Additionally, opened engine oil can be used for topping up if it's been less than a year since opening, but oil that's been opened for over a year is generally ineffective and not recommended for use. Below are the steps to check the engine oil level: 1. Park the car and turn off the engine, then open the hood. 2. Locate the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth. 3. Reinsert the clean and dry dipstick, wait for three minutes, then pull it out. 4. Observe where the oil level is on the dipstick. Typically, dipsticks have two marks, H (High) and L (Low). If the oil level is between these two marks, it indicates that the oil level is sufficient and the car can operate normally.
With decades of experience driving various vehicles, I can certainly add engine oil myself when it's low. The operation isn't difficult but requires attention to detail. First, park the car on level ground and turn off the engine, waiting for the undercarriage to cool down to avoid burns. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check the oil level—only add oil if it's below the minimum mark, making sure to consult the owner's manual for the correct type, such as 5W-30. Pour in a small amount, wait a few minutes, and recheck. Avoid filling it all at once to prevent excessive pressure that could damage the engine. After adding, start the engine briefly to listen for unusual noises, then take a short drive and check again. While saving money and time is good, don’t rely too heavily on this: if the oil keeps running low, there’s a 90% chance it’s due to leaks or oil burning—address the root cause early with a mechanic to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs. Make it a habit to check the oil level monthly for peace of mind.
