08 January 2025
How much oil does my car need? A handy guide
5 minutes
How much oil does my car need? What engine oil do I need? How do I add oil to my car?
These are common car maintenance questions for new and experienced motorists alike. Choosing the right engine oil for your car is crucial, as it helps to keep your engine and all its moving parts clean, lubricated, and in top working order.
But how do you know how much oil you should add to your car? How do you do it? And when do you need to do it? Our handy guide explains all.
How much oil should I put in my car when low?
Generally speaking, most engines require between 4 and 6 litres of oil. As a rule of thumb, the larger your car’s engine, the more oil it needs. But if you’re wondering, “How many litres of oil does my car take?”, there are a few quick ways you can check.
How to check your car's oil requirements:
- Look in the owner's manual: Your car’s manual contains all the necessary information about your engine and how to maintain it. If you don’t have your manual or are unsure where you’ve put it, you may be able to contact your vehicle’s manufacturer and request a digital copy.
- Google your car’s make and model: Search online for your car’s make and model + “engine oil capacity.” Alternatively, go directly to the manufacturer’s website and find your vehicle. Your car’s engine oil capacity may be listed among the vehicle specs.
- Use an online checker: Leading engine oil brands like Mobil and Castrol have developed online tools to help you check the kind and volume of oil your car needs. Simply type in your vehicle registration number and let them do the rest.
When should you check the engine oil level?
Your car won’t be shy in letting you know when it needs more engine oil. Look out for the following warning signs (and sounds):
- Oil pressure warning light: The most obvious sign that you should be topping up engine oil is when the oil pressure warning light comes on (it might also flicker on and off). The light looks a bit like a genie lamp with a drop next to it (see below) — or sometimes it’s a red light with the word “OIL”.
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- When the light comes on, it means the oil pressure has dropped. This can be a minor issue; you can simply add more oil to fix it. However, it could also mean your engine’s leaking oil. If you add more oil and the light stays on, the issue must be checked and fixed as soon as possible. An engine running with low oil pressure can be quickly destroyed.
- Engine noise: Another telltale sign of low oil is a “knocking” or “ticking” sound coming from the engine. The lack of lubrication means the metal parts start rubbing together, creating a hard-to-miss sound. If you hear it, check your engine’s oil level ASAP to prevent further damage.
Read more: Car Warning Lights Explained: Your Guide
How do I check my car’s engine oil level?
To check your car’s engine oil level, do the following:
- Park your car on a flat surface and switch the engine off.
- Ideally, let your car sit for 10-15 minutes so the engine cools and the oil settles.
- Open the bonnet and find the dipstick (it’s usually a metal rod with a brightly coloured hook or loop on the end). If your vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick, you may have to check your car’s dashboard or information display for an oil level reading.
- Slowly remove the dipstick, wipe it clean of oil with a rag, and then replace it until you hear a click. Remove it again, and you’ll have a fresh coat of oil on the dipstick.
- Measure how far up the dipstick the oil reaches. Most sticks have two lines or dots a distance apart, displaying the ideal amount of oil for your vehicle. Your oil level should be between these markers.
- If your oil level is below the lowest marker, you should top it up immediately.
How often should I check my oil level?
Check your engine’s oil level regularly to keep it in top working condition. Try to check it once a month or every 1,000 miles (whichever comes first) and before any long journeys.
Once you’ve established that your vehicle needs more oil, simply top it up by following these steps:
First, choose the right oil: Double-check your car’s handbook to ensure you’re using the correct type of oil for your vehicle. The most common types in the UK are 10W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-20. These numbers indicate the oil's viscosity (how thick it is) and how easily it flows at different temperatures. You should always use the oil your vehicle's manufacturer recommends. Using the wrong oil can cause engine wear and tear, decreased performance, and expensive repairs.
- Next, locate the oil filler cap in your engine bay: This should have the word 'oil' marked on it or an outline of an oil can. Unscrew the cap and set it aside safely.
- Add a small amount of oil at a time: Slowly and carefully pour in the engine oil using a funnel to avoid spillage. Remember, it’s easier to check and top up as you go rather than overfilling.
- Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then check again: Follow the steps above to re-check your oil levels. If they’re back between the markers on the dipstick, replace it, screw the oil cap back on tightly, and close the bonnet.
- Finally, starttheengine(andcheckforleaks). Once the engine is running, ensure the oil warning light is off and there are no leaks beneath the vehicle.
Note: As with any vehicle maintenance, safety is paramount. You may want to consider wearing gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes when pouring engine oil.
Are you looking for car insurance cover? Get in touch with us! A member of the Howden team would love to help you find the perfect policy!
Engine oil FAQs
Can I mix different types of engine oil?
Mixing engine oils isn’t recommended. Different types have different viscosities, ingredients and additives, and they can interact poorly with one another. This could lead to sludge clogging your engine’s moving parts, increased wear and tear, and severe damage.
If you need to top up your oil, try using the same type you’ve used before. If you want to switch to a different engine oil, completely drain the old oil before adding the new one (you may want to enlist the help of a mechanic to do this).
What happens if I overfill my car with oil?
Most engines can handle a small amount of extra oil without damage. However, it’s always best to stick to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
Accidentally overfilling your car’s engine with oil can cause poor engine performance, oil leakage, increased emissions, and severe damage. You may also find that your car won’t start, as the spark plug has been coated with too much oil.
Contact a mechanic if you suspect you’ve overfilled your car with oil. They should be able to diagnose the issue, drain your engine oil, and refill it to the recommended level.
Is 2 litres of oil enough for a car?
It depends on your vehicle’s engine oil capacity and how much oil is already in it. Two litres might be enough to top up your engine, but it may not be sufficient if your car is running on empty.
Will the wrong engine oil damage my vehicle?
Using the wrong engine oil could potentially cause severe damage to your engine. Engine oils have different viscosities and contain different ingredients. The incorrect type could cause your engine to overheat, leak, or become clogged.
Always check your owner’s manual or with your vehicle’s manufacturer to ensure you’re using the correct type of oil.
In summary: How do I know how much oil I need to put in my car?
To recap, the fastest way to find out how much oil your car needs is to check your owner’s manual. Failing that, you may be able to contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or find the information you need online.