How Many Liters of Engine Oil Should Generally Be Added?
3 Answers
The amount of engine oil to be added at one time depends on the type of engine. Generally, small-displacement vehicles require 3.2~3.6 liters of oil per maintenance, while larger-displacement engines need about 4.5 liters. Measure by observing the dipstick—the oil mark should be between the upper and lower lines on the dipstick, slightly above the middle line. Each car model has a different capacity, so the amount of oil added varies and should be slightly below the upper mark on the dipstick. Here is some relevant information: 1. Adding too much oil increases the resistance of the crankshaft's rotation, reduces the engine's output power, and causes excess oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning, blue smoke emission, and increased fuel consumption. It also accelerates wear on the cylinder and piston, reducing the vehicle's lifespan. 2. If the oil level is too low, some engine components, such as the cam tappet and valves, may not receive sufficient lubrication, resulting in part wear and even severe incidents like cylinder scoring or bearing seizure.
I've been driving for over a decade, and when it comes to adding engine oil, it really depends on the car model. Generally, a small sedan requires about 4 liters, but the most accurate reference is your vehicle's manual. For example, my Japanese car's manual specifies an oil change volume of 3.8 liters—never blindly add extra oil. Overfilling can cause oil to overflow, damaging engine seals or the catalytic converter, while underfilling leads to insufficient lubrication and increased wear on parts. Every time I go for maintenance, I personally check the dipstick; the oil level should be between the min and max marks. Also, it's important to remember that regular oil changes are crucial. You should check every six months or after driving 5,000 kilometers. Fresh oil protects the engine longer and extends the vehicle's lifespan.
As someone who frequently handles car maintenance, I know the amount of oil required varies greatly by model. Small-displacement engines typically need 3.5 to 5 liters, while large SUVs or V8 engines may require over 6 liters. Always check the owner's manual, as overfilling can cause excessive oil pressure and crankshaft leaks, while underfilling leads to lubrication failure, overheating, or bearing damage. I recommend using a funnel to pour slowly, then running the engine for a few minutes before shutting it off to check if the dipstick shows normal levels. Don't forget to replace the oil filter simultaneously—it affects oil flow, and regular maintenance is key to avoiding major repairs.
