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How do I add engine oil to my car?

I’d like to top-off my engine oil at home. No need to spend money at the mechanic if I don’t have to! How do I add engine oil to my car?

avatar
Nick Kunze · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Keeping your car full of clean engine oil is a crucial aspect of car ownership. If you only need to add oil, you can do so by
popping the hood
.
Adding oil is much easier than fully changing your oil, as you don’t need to drain your current oil. To begin adding oil, make sure you’ve got a bottle of the correct type of motor oil. To find out what oil your car needs, check the owner’s manual.
Now, park your car on level ground and turn your engine off. Next, open the hood and remove the oil dipstick. Wipe down the dipstick, reinsert it, then remove it again. The highest point oil reaches on the dipstick is your current oil level.
To add oil, simply find the oil fill location, remove the fill cap, and begin pouring oil into the hole. Using a funnel can help prevent spillage. Add oil slowly, with breaks to give the oil time to drain into the pan.
Keep checking your dipstick to ensure you haven’t passed the MAX mark—too much oil can be bad for your vehicle.
Once you’re satisfied, re-screw the caps and close your hood.
While an oil change likely isn’t covered, there are plenty of expensive repairs and upkeep a good
car insurance
policy will cover. Use
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and insurance broker
Jerry
to find great coverage at a low price. Just sign-up to receive all the insurance quotes you’ll need, plus help with your insurance paperwork.
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