Is it okay if the engine oil is 1 cm above the upper limit?
4 Answers
Different vehicles have different situations. It is not a problem if the engine oil is 1 cm above the upper limit when measured in a cold engine, but if it is 1 cm above the upper limit in a hot engine, there might be an issue. Below is a detailed explanation of this issue: 1. The oil level is higher in a cold engine: Generally, when measuring the engine oil level in a cold engine, the oil distributed inside the engine will flow back to the oil pan under gravity, resulting in a higher oil level measurement. 2. The oil level is lower when measured in a hot engine: In a hot engine, the oil is distributed across various lubrication surfaces, so the actual oil level is relatively lower. At this point, the actual oil level height is closest to the oil level height during engine operation, most accurately reflecting the effective oil level.
Engine oil 1cm above the max line? That's no joke. Once I helped a friend check his car and found the oil level slightly high. The engine started making strange noises and eventually blew blue smoke. Excess oil gets whipped by the crankshaft, creating foam that reduces lubrication. This causes engine temperatures to spike and can even damage piston rings or cause leaks in severe cases. My advice: First check the dipstick when the engine's cold. If it's overfilled, use a plastic tube or oil extractor to remove the excess until it's between the min and max marks. Driving long-term with overfilled oil increases fuel consumption and costs you money. When topping up, measure carefully and avoid pouring too much at once to prevent this risk. Safety first - don't take chances.
I usually take care of my car myself and pay great attention to engine oil issues. One centimeter above the limit may sound minor, but it poses significant risks. Exceeding the upper limit can cause the oil to foam during operation, affecting cooling and lubrication, reducing engine performance, and even accelerating wear. I learned this the hard way—once I overfilled the oil, and the car felt sluggish at startup. It only returned to normal after an oil change. The solution is simple: either use a syringe to extract excess oil through the dipstick tube yourself or take it to a shop for draining. Also, pay attention to oil quality and check it regularly to prevent degradation. Proper maintenance ensures smooth driving.
Excess engine oil is harmful. A 1cm overfill above the maximum mark can cause issues. When the engine runs, the surplus oil gets churned into foam, leading to insufficient lubrication which may result in overheating or smoke emission. I recommend checking the dipstick immediately. If the level is high, promptly extract the excess oil. Avoid driving until resolved - safety first.
