How to Top Up Your Engine Oil
What you’ll need
Correct oil for your car, funnel, paper towel
Step-by-step guide
Topping up your oil is almost as easy as checking it. The key thing is using the right type of oil — your car's manual will tell you exactly which one you need, or you can ask at any car parts shop.
1. First, check your oil level using the dipstick (see our guide on checking your oil). Confirm it is actually low before adding any.
2. Find the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it and is larger than the dipstick. Unscrew it and set it somewhere clean.
3. Place a funnel in the opening. This is not strictly necessary, but it makes life much easier and avoids spilling oil on your engine.
4. Pour in a small amount of oil — about 200 to 300 millilitres at a time. It is much easier to add more oil than to remove oil you have overfilled.
5. Wait a minute for the oil to drain down, then check the dipstick again. Repeat the process until the oil level is between the min and max marks.
6. Once you are happy with the level, replace the oil filler cap and tighten it. Make sure it is secure — a loose cap can cause oil to leak everywhere.
7. Wipe up any spills with your paper towel, remove the funnel, and close the bonnet.
A few tips: never mix different types of oil (stick with the same brand and grade if you can). Never overfill past the maximum mark — too much oil is just as bad as too little. And always check the level on level ground.
1. First, check your oil level using the dipstick (see our guide on checking your oil). Confirm it is actually low before adding any.
2. Find the oil filler cap on top of the engine. It usually has an oil can symbol on it and is larger than the dipstick. Unscrew it and set it somewhere clean.
3. Place a funnel in the opening. This is not strictly necessary, but it makes life much easier and avoids spilling oil on your engine.
4. Pour in a small amount of oil — about 200 to 300 millilitres at a time. It is much easier to add more oil than to remove oil you have overfilled.
5. Wait a minute for the oil to drain down, then check the dipstick again. Repeat the process until the oil level is between the min and max marks.
6. Once you are happy with the level, replace the oil filler cap and tighten it. Make sure it is secure — a loose cap can cause oil to leak everywhere.
7. Wipe up any spills with your paper towel, remove the funnel, and close the bonnet.
A few tips: never mix different types of oil (stick with the same brand and grade if you can). Never overfill past the maximum mark — too much oil is just as bad as too little. And always check the level on level ground.