How Much Engine Oil Should Be Added During a Maintenance?
3 Answers
Approximately 200 milliliters of engine oil is needed for a maintenance, but this is not fixed as different engines require varying amounts of oil. The quantity of oil used for maintenance should be based on the standard inspection of the car's engine oil dipstick. More relevant information is as follows: 1. To determine the amount of oil needed for a maintenance, first remove the oil dipstick. There is an uneven area on the surface of the dipstick, and the oil level line is determined by the checkered pattern in the concave part of the dipstick. 2. There are horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the concave part of the dipstick. Then reinsert the dipstick. During maintenance, the oil level should be within the range of the checkered lines—not too little nor too much.
Honestly, the amount of engine oil depends on the car. After years of working on cars, I can tell you that a typical sedan usually requires about 4 to 6 liters of oil for a service. For example, a Toyota Corolla needs just over 4 liters, while an SUV like the Honda CRV might require 5 to 6 liters to be sufficient. The most crucial step is to check with the dipstick—after an oil change, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes, then turn it off and wait for the oil to settle. The oil level should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Overfilling can cause the crankshaft to aerate the oil, leading to poor lubrication and wasted oil; too little can cause the engine to overheat or even seize up and get damaged. Remember to match the oil grade to the engine’s requirements—for instance, 5W30 full synthetic oil suits most cars and should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months. Also, ensure the old oil is fully drained during the oil change, and replace the oil filter at the same time. Don’t just focus on the quantity, or the maintenance won’t be as effective.
The amount of engine oil needed isn't fixed – every car's manual specifies the exact quantity. For my Focus, the maintenance manual states 4.2 liters per service, but since draining can't be completely thorough, the repair shop usually pours around 3.8 liters. When adding oil yourself, do it slowly and patiently, topping up bit by bit while repeatedly checking the dipstick to ensure the level stays in the middle. Too little oil risks pump starvation and engine wear, while overfilling increases pressure and leakage hazards. I always follow maintenance records, using manufacturer-recommended oil types like 0W-20, and monitor engine sound – sudden fuel consumption spikes may indicate oil level issues. Regular maintenance extends engine life; I change oil every 7,500 km for cost-effective peace of mind.
