How to Refuel Car Engine

Use the oil recommended in the manual. There are many reasons why you might not use the oil recommended in the manual, but that usually doesn’t make it any easier to purchase. Understanding the numbers and specifications on engine oil packages will help you make more informed choices, and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. ^[9]

How to measure oil viscosity. Viscosity represents the viscosity of a fluid, or the friction of a flow. High viscosity makes it difficult for oil to flow smoothly because it is thick (for example, yogurt is thicker than regular milk). There are two numbers for oil viscosity, expressed in pairs, like 10W-30 or 20W-50. The first number with the letter W indicates the winter temperature of the oil. This number indicates the oil’s ability to flow in cold winter when the oil is thicker. The second number indicates the oil’s ability to maintain its consistency when heated.

• The first number should be at least 5W or less if you live in a very cold area (see your vehicle owner’s manual), as the oil will become so thick that the car won’t start if the winter viscosity is too high. .
• The vehicle owner’s manual will provide the recommended viscosity index for the vehicle. If there’s only one number, like some older cars, your car uses monograde oil. ^[10]

Check your handbook for certification requirements for the engine oil used in your vehicle. This will ensure your vehicle is in good working order and eligible for warranty. Each engine oil can meet a variety of certification standards, from API standards to ILSAC standards. Make sure the oil you use meets the standards set by the manufacturer.

• Some certification standards change as technology advances. The current API level is SL, although it used to be SJ and SI. Again, you need to consult your vehicle’s manual to find out what type of oil the engine uses.

Use synthetic oil for vehicles in the high-end segment or operating in harsh conditions. Although more effective, synthetic oils are also more expensive than their mineral counterparts.

• However, blended oils are completely satisfactory, so you don’t need to spend a lot of money on synthetic oil if it’s too expensive. ^[11]

Do not use multigrade oil on older cars. If your car is running fine with monograde oil (a viscosity index) don’t switch. This can cause scale to build up in the engine and cause problems. Continue using the right oil your car is used to — switching to a high-performance oil will only cause more problems.

• Consider switching to a higher grade oil (40 or 30) during the summer months when it’s hot, instead of using a multigrade oil like 20W-40W. ^[12]

Refuel the vehicle if the dipstick reading is near the lowest level. You should refuel immediately if the oil level is at or below the minimum level to prevent damage from occurring. However, oiling is not a substitute for regular oil changes.

• Be sure to check your manual for how often the oil needs to be changed — it could be every 5,000km or up to 30,000km. Most experts recommend changing the oil every 8,000km. ^[13]

Buy the right oil for your car. Check your owner’s manual to see which oil is right for your vehicle, or talk to your mechanic. Don’t use an oil other than that recommended unless you have a good reason — it won’t make your car run better unless it’s made for your car.

Flip the bonnet of the car up. You have to pull a small lever or press a button located near the driver’s seat to unlock the bonnet. Turn to the front of the car and run your hand between the bonnet and the body until you find the lever, usually in the middle of the bonnet. Press the lever inward to fully open the bonnet.

Find the oil filling port. The oil filling port usually has the word “oil” with the image of the oil can above it. If you can’t find it, check the manual, although it’s usually near the front of the car, near the engine and dipstick. Unscrew the lid and set aside.

Check the dipstick to see how much oil to add. Usually the difference between the bottom and top of the stick is close to 1 liter, ^[14] so you can use this information to estimate how much oil to fill. For example, if the oil level is somewhere between the two lines, you need to fill up half a liter. That said, you should refill the oil in batches of 0.25 liters to avoid overflow, spilled oil will cause serious problems for the engine.

Fill the tank slowly with oil and check it regularly. Pour in the oil for 2-3 seconds then wait a minute, then check with a dip stick. Clean the rod after the test is done, add some oil and test again. You should fill the oil up to the highest line on the dipstick without spilling.

• Using a funnel will make it easier to refill the oil without spilling it on the engine.