How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator

Imagine this: You’re deep into restoring a junkyard gem in Car Mechanic Simulator, wrenching away in your cozy digital garage. The engine’s in, parts are all assembled, but then it hits you—you forgot to add oil. Suddenly, your hard-earned project sounds like a bucket of bolts. Frustrating, right?

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Whether you’re playing Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, 2018, or even older versions, learning how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator is an essential skill. And while it sounds simple, the game makes it feel just like the real thing—if you don’t do it right, the engine suffers.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. Not just the how, but also the why. You’ll learn how engine oil works in-game, where to find the oil filler cap, how to check oil levels, and what happens if you skip this crucial step. Let’s dive under the digital hood.

Getting to Know the Basics: Why Oil is a Big Deal in the Game

In real life, oil lubricates your engine, reduces friction, and helps control temperature. In the game, it’s not just for realism—it’s a core mechanic. Without oil, your engine will sound horrible, perform poorly, or not run at all. That’s right—even in virtual garages, engine oil matters.

Here’s what makes oil so important in Car Mechanic Simulator:

• Engine starts with a knock if oil is missing.

• Performance ratings drop dramatically.

• You can even damage your digital engine if you ignore it for too long.

• It’s a requirement to finish certain repair jobs or customer orders.

So, if your goal is to make money, boost reputation, or just enjoy building a perfect ride, knowing how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator is a must.

Step-by-Step: How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator

Alright, let’s get hands-on. Here’s how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator, step by step. These instructions will work for most versions including Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 and 2021, with slight UI differences.

1. Open the Hood

Click on the vehicle, then select the Engine icon. This opens the hood. You need direct access to the engine bay to add oil.

2. Locate the Oil Filler Cap

Once you’re inside the engine bay, look for the oil cap. It usually has a small oil can symbol and is located on top of the engine. The game makes it easy to recognize if you’re used to the layout.

3. Select the Oil Fill Option

Hover over the oil cap. A small interaction menu will appear. Click on “Add Oil” (or press the required key if you’re using a controller or keyboard). This starts the oil-filling animation.

4. Pour Oil and Watch the Level

As you pour, watch the oil meter. Stop when the bar reaches a safe level—don’t overfill! The game doesn’t punish overfilling heavily, but it’s good practice to keep it realistic.

5. Check Oil Level (Optional but Smart)

Want to be extra careful? Use the dipstick (usually near the oil cap). Pull it out and see the oil level to make sure you’re not too low or over the max line.

✅ Pro Tip: The game won’t always tell you when oil is needed. If a car won’t start or sounds wrong, check the oil—it might be dry.

Real-World Feel: How the Game Nails Oil Maintenance

What’s so cool about Car Mechanic Simulator is how close it mimics real-life wrenching. I remember the first time I played—I skipped oil entirely. I was focused on shiny engine parts and forgot the basics. The car wouldn’t start. I was frustrated, but also kind of impressed. This game teaches you.

Adding engine oil in Car Mechanic Simulator is like a rite of passage. Once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes muscle memory—just like in a real shop.

Here’s how the game simulates real-world oil mechanics:

This level of detail adds depth to the game. It’s not just a button-mashing simulator; it rewards players who think and act like real mechanics.

Troubleshooting: What If You Can’t Add Oil?

Now here’s something that tripped me up when I first played. Sometimes, you can’t find the oil cap. Or worse—you try to add oil, and the option doesn’t appear. What gives?

Here’s why this might happen:

• The engine isn’t fully assembled.

• You’re not in engine bay mode.

• You haven’t lifted the hood properly.

• You’re in tablet or parts-buying mode by mistake.

Here’s how to fix it:

• Make sure the engine is at least partially complete.

• Double-click the engine to zoom in and enter “focus mode”.

• Stand in front of the car (not side) for proper angle.

• If needed, change the camera view manually for better access.

Extra Tip: Some engines (especially V8 or modded ones) have slightly different layouts. If you don’t see the cap, rotate around or lift the car to get a better view.

Beyond Basics: Don’t Forget the Oil Drain

Just like in real life, adding new oil sometimes means draining the old one first. If you’re restoring an old car or completing a repair order, draining is essential.

To do this:

• Place the oil drain cart under the engine.

• Click on it and select “Use”.

• Old oil will drain out automatically.

Then you can go ahead and pour in fresh oil.

Neglecting this step can lead to issues:

• Oil gets overfilled.

• Dirty oil messes up your fresh rebuild.

• Customer jobs get flagged as “incomplete”.

This little step—often skipped by new players—is key to mastering how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator.

When and Why to Check Oil: It’s Not Just Once!

Adding oil isn’t a one-time thing. Like in real-world shops, checking oil is a regular habit in the game. Here’s when you should check it:

• After engine assembly

• After test drives

• When a car won’t start

• Before delivering customer vehicles

Making this a habit will improve your repair accuracy and help you earn better ratings. And honestly, it just makes the whole experience feel more authentic.

Key Points on How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator

• Always lift the hood before accessing the engine.

• Locate the oil filler cap, usually on top of the engine.

• Select “Add Oil”, pour slowly, and stop at the right level.

• Use the dipstick to double-check your work.

• Drain old oil using the oil cart before filling fresh oil.

• If you can’t find the cap, rotate the camera or change views.

• Never ignore oil—bad oil = bad performance.

Common Mistakes Players Make When Adding Oil

Even experienced players sometimes mess up the oil process. Trust me, I’ve done it myself—more times than I’d like to admit. Here are the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them:

1. Skipping the Oil Fill After Rebuilding an Engine

This one’s a classic. You spend 45 minutes rebuilding a V8 beauty from scratch. Everything’s perfect, but you forget the oil. You start the engine—it coughs, sputters, or doesn’t run at all. It’s easy to miss because the game doesn’t always warn you.

2. Overfilling the Oil

Overfilling may not ruin your in-game engine like it would in real life, but it still isn’t a good habit. It can cause job complaints or odd noises. Watch the fill bar carefully, and stop pouring when it nears the top.

3. Using the Wrong View

You need to be in the engine bay view to pour oil. If you’re not standing in the right spot or using the wrong interaction mode, the “Add Oil” option won’t appear.

4. Forgetting the Drain

If there’s old oil in the engine and you don’t drain it first, the system could overflow or contaminate. Always use the oil drain pan before adding fresh oil, especially during engine swaps or full rebuilds.

5. Adding Oil Without a Filter

Adding oil before installing the oil filter is a small but costly error. It doesn’t damage the game, but it’s bad form—and some repair orders may fail quality checks.

Tips from Experience: Oil Maintenance Like a Pro

Once you’ve done oil changes a few times in Car Mechanic Simulator, it becomes second nature. But if you want to level up your gameplay, here are some pro tips:

• ✅ Use the Tablet Mod (in CMS 2021): It lets you buy oil filters and fluids from anywhere, saving trips to the shop.

• ✅ Keep an Oil Drain Pan Handy: Always keep one in your garage. You’ll need it more often than you think.

• ✅ Work Order First, Oil Last: Finish everything else, then top off the oil. It prevents accidental spills or forgetting later.

• ✅ Color Codes Help: Use different paint jobs or tags to mark cars that still need oil changes.

• ✅ Watch the Engine Sound: The engine noise in the game is surprisingly accurate. If it sounds like metal grinding on metal, it’s probably dry.

Metaphor Time: Oil is the Life Blood of Your Digital Build

Think of your car in Car Mechanic Simulator as a living body. The engine oil? That’s the blood. No matter how clean the parts or how shiny the engine looks, without oil, the heart of the car can’t beat.

Just like a doctor wouldn’t ignore blood in a body, a good digital mechanic never forgets oil. It’s one of those small things that make the difference between a sloppy job and a professional-grade restoration.

When I first started playing, I thought it was just about swapping parts. But once I paid attention to the little things—like oil—it changed the entire experience. That’s when the game became more than just a simulator. It became a story I was part of.

Advanced Oil Tips: Going Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator, you might wonder if there’s more to it. The answer? Yes!

Try Performance Oil

Some mods allow for performance oil or high-mileage oil types. While these don’t always affect engine stats, they do increase realism and are great for immersive gameplay.

Use Oil as a Diagnostic Clue

If the engine has ticking or grinding sounds, check the oil. It may be low, or maybe the oil filter is clogged or missing. In some custom mods, these details can actually alter vehicle behavior.

Add Oil After Fluid Flushes

When doing fluid flushes, remember to replace oil last. This keeps everything clean and prevents accidental mixing. It’s also the best practice in real-world mechanics.

Table: Tools and Actions for Oil Maintenance in CMS

This table is your quick reference for keeping oil-related tasks smooth and efficient.

FAQs: How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator

Here are some frequently asked questions that come up often in forums, Reddit, and among new players.

1. How do I know if a car needs oil in Car Mechanic Simulator?

There’s no warning light. If the car won’t start or sounds metallic, check the oil. Use the dipstick for confirmation.

2. Can I overfill oil in the game?

Yes, but it won’t severely damage the engine. Still, it’s not recommended—stay within the normal range.

3. Where is the oil cap located?

Usually on the engine block, near the center or side. Look for the symbol of an oil can.

4. Is draining oil necessary?

Yes, especially if the engine already has oil or you’re doing a customer order. Always drain first before adding new oil.

5. Can I change oil without replacing the filter?

You can, but it’s not ideal. For best results, replace the oil filter every time you change the oil.

6. Why can’t I add oil even though I finished building the engine?

Check if the hood is open and you’re in engine bay view. Also, verify that all major engine parts (oil pan, filter, etc.) are installed.

7. Is oil type important in the game?

Mostly for realism. Standard oil is fine unless you’re using mods that simulate different viscosities or performance types.

8. Does the oil level reset after buying a used car?

Yes, used cars often come with low or no oil. Always check before attempting to start the engine.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Oil, Love the Game

Putting oil in Car Mechanic Simulator isn’t just a task—it’s a symbol of care. Every time you pour oil into a freshly built engine, you’re giving life to something that was once junk. It’s weirdly satisfying.

Whether you’re building dream cars or grinding XP in story mode, never overlook the small stuff. Learning how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator might seem simple, but it teaches you patience, precision, and pride in the work you do—even if it’s digital.

So next time you fire up the game and crack open the hood, smile a little. Because now, you’re not just a player—you’re a mechanic.