How Many Liters of Oil Does a Car Need for an Oil Change?
3 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.
During my two years as an apprentice in the repair shop, I've handled oil changes for hundreds of vehicles. For common family sedans, the oil capacity typically ranges between 3.5 to 5 liters. For example, small cars like the Fit require about 3.2 liters to reach the middle mark on the dipstick after draining the old oil completely, while SUVs like the CR-V need a full 5-liter container of oil. Last week, I encountered a Civic owner who brought three 1-liter bottles of oil, but after adding them all, it was still half a liter short of the standard level. The most practical advice is to watch the mechanic during the oil change process: ensure the oil drain plug is fully loosened, and allow about ten minutes for the old oil to completely drain. When adding new oil, don't pour it all in at once—first add three-quarters, start the engine and let it run for two minutes before turning it off, then check the dipstick and slowly top up to the upper limit.
