When to refill car oil? It sounds like a simple action, but checking and topping up engine oil on time is crucial for the life of your engine. Oil levels that are too low cause insufficient lubrication, resulting in increased wear or even irreparable engine damage. In this blog we explain when and how best to do this.
Check your oil level at least once a month. Do you drive a lot of long distances or sports? Then weekly checking is recommended. It is also wise to check the oil level just before a long drive or vacation. The check is always done on level ground and with a cold engine.
There are usually two markings on the dipstick: 'min' and 'max'. Is the level below or just above 'min'? Then you need to refill. Always top up in small increments and check in between. Too much oil is not good for your engine either: it can lead to foaming and pressure problems.
Engine oil consumes your car partly by combustion and partly by evaporation at high temperatures. The level can also drop due to wear of parts or leaks. Oil consumption is normal, but structurally high refills can indicate a deeper problem such as a faulty gasket or worn piston rings.
Always use the same oil that is already in the engine. In doubt? Consult the instruction manual or use the oil recommendation function in our webshop. Our Premium Performance 5W30 is a popular choice used in many modern cars.
Open the cap on the engine block (not the dipstick) and use a funnel to prevent spillage. Fill in little by little, wait a few seconds, then check the level again. Repeat until the level is between the min and max marks. Then briefly start the engine and check that the oil light goes out.
Too much oil can be just as harmful as too little. It can cause foaming, leakage through retaining rings or even damage to the catalytic converter. In this case, remove excess oil through the sump plug or with an oil-suction pump. Or have it checked at a garage.
Refilling is fine if the oil is still in good condition. However, if the oil is old, black or viscous, it is better to change it. Changing also removes dirt and metal particles that can be harmful to your engine. See our maintenance tips or schedule a full switch.
At Solution Oil you will find top quality motor oil, tailored to modern engines. In our webshop easily select the right oil. You can read more about our approach on the about us page. Learn more about our location in Weert.
1. How often should I refill oil?
Only when the level drops below "minus" or is heading toward the lower limit. Check at least every month.
2. What happens if I have too little oil?
Your engine will then be insufficiently lubricated, leading to overheating and ernsti
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