Can You Add Engine Oil When the Car is Hot?
2 Answers
You can add engine oil when the car is hot. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and lowering temperature; 3. Cleaning and purifying; 4. Shock absorption and buffering; 5. Rust and corrosion prevention. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. The method for adding engine oil is: 1. Remove the engine oil cap; 2. Lift the vehicle with a jack; 3. Unscrew the oil drain plug at the oil pan and drain the oil; 4. Tighten the plug after draining and add new oil. Precautions for changing engine oil are: 1. The amount of oil added must meet the requirements; 2. After adding oil, start the engine and check for any leaks in the components.
I used to get asked this question a lot when I worked as a mechanic - adding oil to a hot engine? Well, technically you can, but it's not recommended. The reasons are simple: the engine is extremely hot right after running, and the oil temperature can be high enough to burn your hands; plus, the oil level expands when hot, so the reading on the dipstick may not be accurate. It's much safer to wait 10-15 minutes after turning off the engine for it to cool down before checking and topping up. For routine maintenance, I always recommend checking the oil level and quality regularly, like taking a look before driving in the morning - prevention is better than cure. If you absolutely must add oil when the engine is hot, wear gloves and be very careful, but never take safety for granted. Regular oil changes and maintenance can help minimize these emergency situations.
