How Many Liters of Oil Does a Car Need for an Oil Change?
2 Answers
The amount of oil needed for a car oil change should be maintained between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick, with the specific volume varying depending on the vehicle model. If too much oil is added, the excess can be drained at an auto repair center to prevent oil leakage. Relevant information is as follows: Common barrel oil volumes are roughly divided into 1 liter, 4 liters, 5 liters, etc. For most household cars, an oil change typically requires about 3.5-5.0 liters, while larger displacement models, such as 6-cylinder engines, require more. At the tip of all oil dipsticks, there is a small section distinctly different from other marked areas—some have small round holes, while others have marked lines. Regardless of the representation method, the optimal oil level should be maintained between the two marked lines, ideally not below the middle mark.
My car has been running for over a decade with multiple oil changes, and I've noticed significant variations in the required oil quantity across different models. For instance, our old Corolla only needs 3.5 liters each time, while the Highlander I currently drive requires a full 5 liters. The mechanic explained that engine displacement is the key factor—compact cars generally need 3 to 4 liters, whereas midsize SUVs often require 4.5 liters or more. Last time when helping a neighbor change oil for his old Bora, the maintenance manual specified 4.2 liters, but after adding 4 liters, the dipstick showed it was just at the lower limit, so we had to top up another 200ml. I'd suggest everyone check their vehicle's user manual before an oil change or directly consult the dealership to confirm the model-specific capacity. Overfilling makes the engine sluggish, while underfilling damages the machinery—this is something you really can't afford to be careless about.
