Can You Add Engine Oil Right After Turning Off the Car?
2 Answers
You can add engine oil right after turning off the car. The method for adding engine oil is as follows: 1. Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean, and measure again to see how much oil is missing; 2. Open the oil cap to add oil, then close the cap and start the car for a few minutes. After the oil has circulated in the engine for a while, check the oil dipstick again. If the level has dropped, continue adding more. The main functions of engine oil are: 1. Lubrication; 2. Assisting in cooling; 3. Cleaning; 4. Sealing and preventing leaks; 5. Rust and corrosion prevention; 6. Shock absorption; 7. Anti-wear. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Lift the car, remove the undercover, and place a container of about 10 liters under the oil drain plug; 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow into the oil filler port for two minutes, then tighten the drain plug after draining and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the undercover and lower the car, then use a funnel to add oil through the filler port.
After turning off the engine, I usually don't add oil immediately. The engine is still scorching hot, and the oil temperature is too high. Reaching in can easily cause burns—I once experienced this myself, with my fingers red and swollen for a week. When the oil is hot, its fluidity increases, making the dipstick readings inaccurate. Overfilling can cause oil to spill onto engine components, leading to contamination or even fire hazards. I recommend waiting five to ten minutes after shutting off the engine to let it cool down and allow the oil to stabilize before checking and topping up. Additionally, checking the oil level should always be done on level ground after parking to ensure more accurate measurements. When maintaining my car, I always prioritize safety—never take risks just to save time. Remember, regular oil checks can prevent major repairs.
