How to Top Up Engine Oil
Learn how to safely check and top up your engine oil in just 10 minutes. Essential car maintenance made simple.
⚠️ Important Safety
Always check oil when the engine is cold and the car is on level ground. Hot oil can cause serious burns.
What You'll Need
- Engine oil (correct type for your car - check handbook) - £15-30
- Funnel (to avoid spills) - £2-5
- Clean cloth or kitchen roll
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Park on Level Ground
Park your car on flat, level ground. Turn off the engine and wait 5-10 minutes for the oil to settle back into the sump.
2. Locate the Dipstick
Open the bonnet and find the oil dipstick. It usually has a brightly colored handle (often yellow or orange) with an oil can symbol.
Tip: If you can't find it, check your car's handbook - it shows exactly where it is.
3. Check the Oil Level
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, then insert it fully and pull it out again. Check where the oil level sits between the MIN and MAX marks.
- MIN mark: Oil is too low - needs topping up
- Between MIN and MAX: Oil level is fine
- MAX mark: Perfect level - don't add more
4. Find the Oil Filler Cap
Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol and says "OIL" or shows the oil grade (e.g., "5W-30").
5. Add Oil Slowly
Remove the oil filler cap. Using a funnel, pour in a small amount of oil (about 100-200ml at a time). Don't pour the whole bottle in!
⚠️ Too much oil is just as bad as too little. Add slowly and check frequently.
6. Check Again
Wait 1 minute for the oil to drain down, then check the dipstick again. Repeat until the oil level is between MIN and MAX, closer to MAX.
7. Replace Caps and Clean Up
Screw the oil filler cap back on tightly. Replace the dipstick. Wipe away any spilled oil and close the bonnet.
Common Oil Types Explained
| Oil Grade | Best For |
|---|---|
| 5W-30 | Most common for modern petrol engines. Good all-year performance. |
| 5W-40 | Common for diesel engines and high-mileage cars. |
| 0W-20 | For newer, fuel-efficient engines. Check handbook first. |
| 10W-40 | Older engines and higher mileage vehicles. |
⚠️ Always use the right oil - Using the wrong oil can damage your engine. Check your car's handbook.
When to Check Your Oil
- Once a month - Make it part of your routine checks
- Before long journeys - Especially motorway driving
- If warning light comes on - Stop immediately and check
- After 1000 miles - For older or high-mileage cars
⚠️ When to See a Mechanic
- • You need to add oil more than once between services
- • The oil looks milky or has white froth (possible head gasket issue)
- • You see oil leaks under your car
- • The oil is very dark and gritty (needs changing)
Keep a Digital Service Log
Record oil top-ups and services in AutoChain. Track your car's maintenance history and never miss an oil change again.