Is it a problem if the engine oil is slightly above the upper limit?
3 Answers
Adding engine oil beyond the upper limit can have several negative effects on the engine, including reduced power, increased fuel consumption, more carbon deposits, worsened exhaust emissions, and engine oil leaks. Below are the methods for adding engine oil and measuring it: 1. Method for adding engine oil: There is a yellow pull ring in the engine compartment, which is the engine oil dipstick. Pull it out, and at the very bottom of the dipstick, there are two marked lines (or sometimes two holes), representing the upper and lower limits of the engine oil. The engine oil level must always be maintained between these two marks—neither too much nor too little. 2. Do not measure the oil while the engine is running or immediately after stopping the engine, as this can lead to inaccuracies. Generally, you should wait at least 15 minutes after the vehicle has been turned off and is stationary, allowing the oil to fully return to the oil pan before checking. Additionally, ensure the car is parked on a level surface (if the car does not move when the handbrake is released and the gear is in neutral, the surface is level). 3. Measuring method: Pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean with a tissue, reinsert it, then pull it out again to check the oil level.
I've dealt with the situation where the engine oil is slightly above the upper limit, such as just exceeding the maximum mark on the dipstick, several times. If there's too much oil, the engine can churn it up during operation, creating foam, which significantly reduces lubrication effectiveness. The foam can also increase internal pressure, potentially damaging piston rings or causing oil leaks over time. However, if it's just a little over, it might not cause immediate issues during daily driving, and short trips are generally safe. My advice is not to panic. First, park on a level surface, wait for the engine to cool, and then recheck the oil level with the dipstick. If it's indeed overfilled, you can easily remove the excess oil yourself using a home oil extractor or a clean tube through the oil filler hole. Remember, regularly checking your oil level is a good habit to avoid incorrect oil levels and protect your engine's health.
The oil level is slightly above the maximum mark, which makes me a bit concerned but not overly panicked. Overfilling engine oil may cause it to foam inside the engine, reducing lubrication and accelerating wear; the foam can also clog oil passages and increase crankcase pressure during high-speed driving, potentially leading to oil leaks. However, if the excess is minimal—say, just 5mm above the mark—it’s not a major issue in the short term, but timely action is crucial. DIY solutions are simple: Park the car on level ground, let the engine cool, and check the dipstick. If overfilled, use a medical syringe or a small pump to remove the excess oil. If you lack the tools, visit a quick-service shop to handle it. Preventive measures are also important: Add oil slowly during an oil change—pouring too quickly can lead to mistakes. Poor oil maintenance can have serious consequences, so developing a habit of checking oil levels when the engine is cold can save you from major troubles.
