How Many Liters of Engine Oil Should Be Added to a Car?
3 Answers
Generally, about 4 liters of engine oil should be added to a car. The oil dipstick has upper and lower marks, and it's best to fill it to the middle of the marked line. For ordinary cars, 4 liters is sufficient, but the oil dipstick must be used. Insufficient oil can affect the lubrication system, but adding too much is not better either. Excessive oil can cause more oil to splash onto the cylinder walls, leading to oil burning and blue smoke emission. Under normal circumstances, the following four factors should be considered when choosing engine oil: 1. The selection of engine oil should be based on the requirements of the engine. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. 2. Multi-grade oil should be preferred as it is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multi-grade oil, it may appear darker earlier and have lower oil pressure compared to regular oil, which is normal. 3. Some domestic brand oils are of quite good quality and are much cheaper than imported counterparts, so they can be used with confidence. There is no need to blindly pursue 'foreign oils.' 4. If the engine is in good condition and the seasonal temperature is low, using oil with lower viscosity is recommended to ensure smooth oil flow. In high-temperature seasons or when the engine is severely worn, choosing high-viscosity oil helps form an oil film and reduces engine wear.
The amount of engine oil isn't fixed—it depends on your car model. From my experience, it varies greatly between vehicles. Compact cars may only need 4 to 5 liters, while large SUVs sometimes require over 6 liters. Beginners often ask 'how many liters to add,' but the most reliable method is to check the owner's manual first—don't guess. Once, when helping a friend change oil, he overfilled past the MAX line, causing oil foaming that led to insufficient lubrication and cylinder wear. The correct procedure is to warm up the engine by driving briefly, then wait 10 minutes on level ground before checking the dipstick—the oil level should be at the midpoint. Regular maintenance checks can prevent these issues and extend engine life.
I've been DIYing oil changes for several years and learned that precision is key. My compact car takes just over 4 liters per change, while larger SUVs require about 5 liters - always check the manual though. Beginners often pour too quickly, spilling and wasting oil; I use a funnel and pour slowly. After adding oil, don't drive off immediately - start the engine, let it run for a few minutes, then check the dipstick. The ideal level is between min and max marks; overfilling causes oil pressure issues while underfilling leads to engine overheating. Always use quality oil from reputable brands - never compromise with cheap substitutes that affect performance.
