How to Fill Oil in Car: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever opened your car’s hood and felt like you were staring at a spaceship? You’re not alone. For many people, car maintenance feels like an alien task. But here’s the truth — learning how to fill oil in car isn’t rocket science. It’s one of the most basic and important things you can do to keep your engine healthy.

Just like your body needs water to function, your car needs oil to run smoothly. If your engine oil runs low, the metal parts inside your engine start grinding. It’s like jogging in a desert without water — painful and damaging. Neglecting oil can lead to engine failure, expensive repairs, or even a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

This guide will walk you through everything step-by-step in a friendly, easy way. Whether you drive a shiny new sedan or a trusty old hatchback, this guide is for you. And yes, there’ll be personal stories, metaphors, cultural tidbits, and all the juicy stuff to make this more than just another boring “how-to.”

Chapter 1: What Engine Oil Actually Does

Here’s what it does:

• Lubricates engine parts to reduce friction.

• Cools down the engine and prevents overheating.

• Cleans dirt, metal particles, and carbon from engine parts.

• Protects the engine against rust and corrosion.

When the oil level is low or the oil is dirty, none of these functions work well. That’s when problems start creeping in.

A few months back, I ignored that blinking oil light on my dashboard. I thought, “Eh, I’ll get to it later.” Big mistake. My car started making weird ticking noises, like a metronome going offbeat. I had to pay 15,000 BDT (around $140) to fix it — just because I didn’t take 10 minutes to top up the oil.

So moral of the story? Never ignore your oil.

Chapter 2: Signs That You Need to Fill Oil in Your Car

Just like your stomach growls when you’re hungry, your car sends signals when it’s thirsty for oil.

Here are the most common signs:

• Oil warning light on dashboard

• Ticking or knocking sounds from the engine

• Burning oil smell

• Dark, dirty oil on the dipstick

• Engine overheating

• Reduced fuel efficiency

When these signs appear, it’s time to check your oil and, if needed, add more.

Let me tell you a quick story. My cousin drives a Toyota Axio. One day, while heading to Cox’s Bazar, his car started losing power mid-highway. The culprit? Low oil level. We had to pull over at a small local garage and fill it up right there. He had no idea about how to fill oil in car, and that delay cost him three extra hours on the road. Don’t be like him — be prepared.

Chapter 3: What You’ll Need Before You Start

You don’t need to be a mechanic. Just have these items ready:

Having these ready will save time and make the job smooth.

Chapter 4: Step-by-Step — How to Fill Oil in Car

Let’s now get into the core of this guide — how to fill oil in car. Take a deep breath, grab your tools, and let’s go.

Step 1: Park and Cool Down

First, make sure your car is on level ground and the engine is off. Wait at least 10-15 minutes after driving so the oil settles and the engine cools.

Step 2: Open the Hood

Use the hood latch inside the car (usually near the driver’s seat). Then release the secondary latch under the hood and prop it up securely.

Step 3: Locate the Dipstick and Oil Cap

The dipstick usually has a yellow or orange ring. The oil filler cap often says “OIL” or has an oil can icon.

Step 4: Check the Oil Level

Pull out the dipstick. Wipe it clean with a cloth. Insert it back fully, wait a few seconds, and pull it out again. You’ll see two marks: MIN and MAX.

If the level is below the MIN line, it’s time to add oil.

Step 5: Pour the Oil

Remove the oil filler cap. Place your funnel in the hole. Slowly pour oil in — start with a little, like half a liter. You can always add more, but you can’t take it back once overfilled.

Wait a few minutes. Then recheck the dipstick. If it’s still low, add more — bit by bit. Repeat until the level is close to MAX but not over.

Step 6: Wipe, Close, and Start the Engine

Wipe any spilled oil. Put the dipstick and oil cap back. Close the hood securely. Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Then shut it off and check again.

If the oil level stays steady and there are no warning lights, you’ve done it!

Chapter 5: Common Mistakes People Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Even though filling oil sounds simple, many people make small mistakes. And small mistakes can cause big trouble.

Here’s a list of things to avoid:

• Overfilling the oil: It can cause foaming and pressure build-up.

• Using the wrong oil type: Always follow what your manual says — not your friend who drives a totally different car.

• Forgetting to close the cap: Oil can splash out and create a mess or fire hazard.

• Not checking oil regularly: Once a month is a good habit.

Tip: Set a monthly reminder on your phone to check your oil. It only takes 5 minutes.

Chapter 6: How Often Should You Fill Oil in Car?

Now that you know how to fill oil in car, you might be wondering how often to do it.

This depends on:

• Your car’s age

• Your driving habits

• Oil type (synthetic vs regular)

• Engine condition

On average:

• New cars need an oil top-up every 5,000 to 7,500 km

• Older cars might need it more frequently, especially if they burn oil

If you drive in Dhaka’s jam-packed traffic or over dusty rural roads, check more often. Hard conditions mean your engine works harder — and burns more oil.

Chapter 7: What Type of Oil Should You Use?

Choosing the right oil is like choosing the right medicine. If you use the wrong one, you won’t get better — you might get worse.

Your owner’s manual will tell you what grade to use (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40). That code tells you about the viscosity — or thickness — of the oil.

Here’s a quick comparison: