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How much oil does a car engine hold?

How much oil fits in a car? I’m thinking of changing my own oil and I want to know how much I should buy.

avatar
Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oil changes can be expensive and aren’t that difficult, so I can see why you’d want to do it yourself.
Most engines require anywhere between five to eight quarts of oil. It all depends on the engine size.
  • For a four-cylinder engine, you’ll typically need five quarts of oil.
  • For a six-cylinder engine, you’ll probably need six quarts.
Be careful when draining the oil from its tank. You’ll want to make sure you have a sizable container, like a five-gallon bucket, so there’s zero chance of overflow. (Oil is very hard to clean up.)
Finally, remember to always check your oil levels when you’re done. If your oil is leaking, you could end up having to make an emergency trip to the mechanic.
Good on you for staying on top of
regular car maintenance
. It’s one of the best ways to make sure your vehicle stays in good shape for years down the road.
Carrying great car insurance helps, too!
Jerry
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