How Much Engine Oil Should Be Added?
2 Answers
The appropriate amount of engine oil should be between the marks on the dipstick, preferably just below the upper limit. Engine oil serves three main functions: 1. Lubrication: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the crankshaft and bearings. To prevent excessive wear, an oil film must be established between these sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the sliding parts, thereby reducing wear. 2. Auxiliary Cooling: While engine oil has a low specific heat capacity and does not directly cool the engine, it helps dissipate heat. During engine operation, the oil carries heat back to the oil pan, where it is released into the air, assisting the radiator in cooling the engine. The actual cooling is performed by the water outside the engine casing. 3. Sealing and Leak Prevention: Engine oil forms a seal between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing contaminants from entering.
The amount of oil to add depends on checking the dipstick. I usually let the engine warm up, wait a few minutes, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check. The oil level should be exactly in the middle between the minimum and maximum marks. If it's below the lower limit, add a small amount of oil—about 100ml at a time—and recheck without rushing. Never overfill. Excess oil can increase engine pressure, cause foaming, or even lead to leaks; too little oil may cause component wear and increased fuel consumption. Remember to refer to your car's manual for the total oil capacity recommendation—for example, my car takes 4 liters. Always use the same brand and type of oil (e.g., 5W-30) when topping up for safety. I’ve found that checking monthly helps detect issues early and prevents major repairs. Last time I overfilled, the engine noise was annoying and took me half a day to fix.
