How to Add Motor Oil

There are basic ways to ensure that your vehicle keeps working properly for many years. You can check your motor oil often and get it changed regularly. If you need to add oil to your car during an oil change or when the existing level is too low, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the right grade and correct amount of motor oil in your vehicle. Refer to your car's owners manual for specifics on what is right for your car.

2. Check the oil level in your vehicle by reading the dipstick. All dipsticks show when the motor oil level is low or full with marked lines. You can find the dipstick by locating the looped piece of metal that protrudes from the engine.

3. Remove the cap from the oil filler in your engine. Place a funnel in the hole and add the motor oil through it.

4. Take out the funnel and replace the filler cap. Secure the cap tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• When the dipstick shows the oil is low, add a quart of oil and recheck the dipstick reading. Continue this until the dipstick reads full.
• Make sure your car is on a flat surface and that the engine is warm when you check the oil level. You get a more accurate reading of your engine oil level when the oil is allowed to expand to its normal consistency after having cooled in an unused engine.
• Don't add too much oil to your vehicle. It's very difficult to remove and can cause damage to your engine.