How Many Liters of Engine Oil Does a Car Need?
2 Answers
An automobile requires 3.2 to 3.6 liters of engine oil. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, assisting the radiator in cooling the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine components back to the oil tank, flushing away contaminants generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. The impact of using inferior quality engine oil includes: The accumulation of gum and incompletely burned substances on valves, intake passages, and combustion chambers can affect engine performance and lead to engine damage.
I often drive my own car, and the amount of engine oil to add is definitely not arbitrary—it depends on the engine size and model. Small-displacement engines like four-cylinders under 1.5 liters usually require 3 to 4 liters of oil, while SUVs or larger six-cylinder engines may need 6 liters or more. You must check the owner’s manual—it’s the authoritative guide. Adding too much oil can cause foaming, reducing lubrication effectiveness and leading to higher engine oil temperatures and faster wear. Adding too little increases friction, overheating, and oil leaks. When I change the oil myself, I first drain the old oil, add a small amount, start the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off. After it cools, I check the dipstick to ensure the level is between the min and max marks. For beginners, I recommend checking the oil level every 5,000 kilometers—don’t skimp on this small expense.
