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Top up engine oil

Engine oil is nothing more than a wearing part. The amount of oil decreases steadily depending on the operating time. This is due to thermal and mechanical effects. The oil evaporates through heat, decomposes through oxidation or ages through wear of the additives.

Refilling a car engine with motor oil
Every car needs the right engine oil to make the most of its performance

When should you measure the oil level?

To ensure that the engine is properly lubricated, it is advisable to check the oil level regularly. It is recommended to check every 1,000 kilometres. You should react immediately when the engine light of your car flashes yellow. If the oil level is actually too low, top up the required amount of engine oil that has already been filled. We do not recommend mixing different oils as described above. If you do not change the oil yourself, always ask your trusted workshop for the oil that has been refilled. Of course, you can also specify which engine oil is to be used.

Oil dipsticks with different oil levels
Representation of an oil dipstick with different filling levels: Empty (left), oil level low (2nd from left), oil level normal (2nd from right), oil level too high (right)

What has to be considered when refilling the engine oil?

Only measure the oil level when the engine is warm and at operating temperature. Make sure that the vehicle is straight and has not been parked on a slope. After switching off the engine, it should take about five minutes before the measurement is taken. This can cause the still warm oil to settle in the oil pan.

Then open the bonnet and pull out the dipstick. Usually the dipstick can be identified by a yellow ring. Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and reinsert it into the engine block. In the best case, the oil level should now be between the two marks (see picture above). Then the oil level in the engine is optimal. If there is too much oil in the engine, you must drain it, dispose of it and check for oil dilution (see next section). If there is too little oil in the engine, you should top up with engine oil.

When refilling, proceed slowly and add only small quantities. Test the level regularly until the desired result is achieved. This will prevent the motor from overfilling. If the engine oil level is too high, engine damage may occur. Foaming of the engine oil can occur, which impairs the lubricating effect.

Someone fills motor oil in a motorcycle
If the oil level is too low, top up with oil

Oil dilution - What to do if the oil level is too high?

If you have noticed an increase in the oil in the engine compartment when measuring the oil level, there may be a dilution of the oil. In this case, have an oil sample taken and solve the problem. If the oil level is too high, excess pressure may be created in the engine compartment, which in turn may lead to leaks and other engine damage.

What happens if transmission oil gets into the engine?

Carelessness may cause transmission oil to be filled accidentally when refilling engine oil. That is not optimal, but also not a reason to panic. Transmission oil is similar in composition to engine oil. Due to the different viscosity level and additives, however, it is not recommended to run an engine with transmission oil for a longer period of time. To prevent engine damage or impairment of exhaust after-treatment, a car repair shop should be visited promptly and an oil change carried out. However, if you are forced to drive with the transmission oil in the engine, there will be no imminent danger to the engine. Especially not if the proportion of transmission oil in the engine is only at about 10-20%. Longer distances should be avoided nevertheless.

Contact

Mayka Nehrkorn

Product Manager Automotives