How Many Liters of Engine Oil Does a Car Need?
3 Answers
Car needs about 4 liters of engine oil, and the filling amount should be between the upper and lower marks on the oil dipstick. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Relieve friction and high temperature; 2. Cool down; 3. Clean; 4. Dampen and buffer; 5. Prevent rust and corrosion. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. Base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining the basic properties of lubricating oil, while additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of base oil performance. The hazards of using inferior engine oil are: 1. Damage the quality of engine oil, reducing its performance; 2. Damage the lubrication of precision parts such as fuel pumps and injectors; 3. Reduce the power of the generator set; 4. Affect the combustion effect of the engine.
I think the amount of engine oil to add really can't be generalized. Every time I help fellow car owners with maintenance, it depends on the specific situation. Generally, for a small sedan like my 1.5-liter engine, it needs about 4 liters, but if you drive an SUV or have a turbocharged engine, it might require 5 to 6 liters or even more. There are too many influencing factors—larger engine displacement consumes more oil, and the residual oil amount during an oil change in older cars can also affect it. I recommend checking the owner's manual first; it's clearly stated there. For example, my Toyota manual specifies 4.2 liters. Adding too little can accelerate engine wear and may cause overheating or failure; adding too much can lead to high oil pressure, causing seal leaks and making cleanup a hassle. It's best to check the oil dipstick for the empty oil level before changing the oil, then add slowly. After starting the engine for a few minutes, recheck the oil level to ensure it's at the middle mark—that's perfect. Regular maintenance can also help avoid these issues, so don't wait until problems arise to panic.
As someone who's been fixing cars for over a decade, I've seen too many rookies mess up engine oil quantities. Most think pouring a standard 5 liters will do, only to end up with overfilled compact cars spewing oil all over the engine bay. The actual range varies significantly – compact cars like VW Golf typically take 3.5 to 4.5 liters, while SUVs like Haval H6 need around 5 liters. The golden rule is consulting the manual or manufacturer hotline. I always advise customers to bring measuring cups for precise onsite checks. Overfilling causes oil foaming that compromises lubrication, while underfilling doubles fuel consumption by increasing bearing friction. My pro tip: pour half during oil changes, wait ten minutes for settling, then top up carefully. Regular maintenance done right can even save you fuel money.
