How Much Engine Oil Should Be Added to a Sedan?
2 Answers
For a sedan, the appropriate amount of engine oil is between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Adding too much oil can cause the engine to burn oil or increase operational resistance, while adding too little can lead to inadequate lubrication of the internal components, accelerating friction and wear. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, plays vital roles in the engine, including lubrication, cleaning, cooling, sealing, reducing wear, damping vibrations, and preventing rust and corrosion. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of the car. Currently, there are three types of engine oil available on the market: conventional mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil.
When it comes to engine oil quantity, I'll base it on my usual driving habits. Most sedan engines require between 3 to 5 liters, but the exact amount depends on the vehicle model and manual. Take my car for example - it's a regular family sedan with a 1.6L engine, and the manual specifies about 4.2 liters. Before adding oil, it's best to have the car cooled down and parked on level ground. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check - the oil level should be perfectly between the MIN and MAX marks. Adding too much oil increases pressure and can damage seals, often resulting in white smoke; too little oil leads to insufficient lubrication causing part wear, and may cause abnormal noises and overheating. I recommend checking during every maintenance service - don't just pour in the whole bottle at once, add gradually while checking for safety. If doing it yourself, prepare a funnel to prevent spills and save some repair costs.
