How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 – A Friendly Guide

I remember the first time I booted up Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 on a rainy Friday night. I had zero idea what I was doing—just a vague sense of how real-life engines worked and a stubborn desire to fix virtual cars. I fumbled, clicked around randomly, and eventually wondered, “How do I put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021?” If you’ve found yourself asking the same question, you’re in the right place.
This game might be a simulator, but it’s more than just turning wrenches—it’s about learning, trial, and error. Whether you’re brand new or returning after a break, knowing how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 is one of the first key steps to fixing up rides and progressing in your career. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: how to add oil, how to drain old oil, what mistakes to avoid, and even a few quirky moments from my own virtual garage.
Let’s dive into this detailed, easy-to-follow guide that breaks down the process with empathy, real personal experiences, and a friendly tone. By the end of this, you won’t just know how to do it—you’ll feel confident doing it.
Understanding the Basics of Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

You’ll first need to:
Understand where the oil fill cap is.
Know how to access the engine.
Use the correct tools for draining and filling.
Avoid overfilling or forgetting to drain old oil.
This part of the game teaches you patience. It’s not flashy, but the engine oil system is essential. Think of it like brushing your teeth—it’s basic but crucial. When I first ignored the oil step, the car wouldn’t start, and I thought the game was broken. Turns out, I was the problem.
So before we go deeper, let’s explore what the game expects from you and what tools you’ll need.
Step-by-Step: How to Put Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Adding oil is easy once you know the flow. Let me break it down with clear steps.
Step 1: Open the Hood
To open the hood, stand in front of the car and press the action button. Some cars might require you to use the “examine mode” if you can’t find the latch. Look for the “Open Hood” prompt.
Pro Tip: Always zoom in and rotate the view for better access. The camera angle can really mess with your progress.
Step 2: Locate the Oil Fill Cap
This is where many beginners get stuck. The oil fill cap is usually found on the top of the engine block. It’s a round, often black or grey cap. Hover over it and it should show “Oil Fill Plug.”
Click it once and you’ll see an option to “Add Oil.”
Step 3: Add Oil Carefully
Click “Add Oil” and you’ll see the oil pouring in. You need to watch the indicator—there’s no auto-stop!
Important: Don’t overfill. Keep an eye on the dipstick.
If you mess up, don’t worry. You can always drain and start again.
Why Oil Matters: Real vs Simulator
In real life, bad oil can kill an engine. The same goes for the game. Running a car with no oil or old oil will result in the engine not functioning properly.
Here’s a quick comparison:
Real Life | Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 |
---|---|
Needs regular oil changes | Needs oil changes before engine testing |
Oil affects engine wear | Oil required to test engine |
Can use different oil types | Uses standard simulated oil |
Dipstick to measure level | Dipstick is clickable and visible |
You’ll find this realistic approach quite satisfying once you get used to it.
Common Mistakes While Adding Oil (And How I Made All of Them )
Let’s be honest—we all mess up when learning something new. Here’s a list of common beginner mistakes I made when trying to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021:
Not draining the old oil before adding new
Forgetting to open the oil fill cap
Adding too much oil
Trying to add oil without the engine installed
Each mistake is a learning opportunity. Once, I added oil without realizing the engine was half-installed. The game didn’t stop me—it just left me confused when the car didn’t start.
So always check the checklist before pouring anything in.
How to Drain Old Oil Before Refilling
Before you add new oil, always drain the old one. Here’s how to do it right:
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Oil:
Move the car over the lift and raise it.
Go to your tools menu and select the Oil Drain tool.
Place the drain under the oil pan.
Click on the oil pan and select “Drain Oil”.
Once it’s empty, lower the lift, and now you’re ready to fill it again.
Warning: Don’t try to reuse oil in the game. Unlike real life, there’s no recycling here.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Oil Change in CMS 2021
Here are a few golden rules I’ve learned:
✅ Always double-check the oil level with the dipstick.
✅ If you’re restoring a junk car, assume it has no oil.
✅ If the car won’t start or engine test is disabled, check the oil status.
✅ Use Engine Stand mode for easier access in rebuilds.
✅ Don’t skip the oil step when completing a job—it affects job rating.
Bullet Recap: Quick Oil Change Reminders
Open hood, locate oil cap.
Drain old oil using the oil drain tool.
Add new oil while monitoring the level.
Don’t overfill—watch the dipstick.
Confirm engine assembly is complete.
Emotional Side of Being a Virtual Mechanic
You might laugh, but the first time I got everything right, I actually felt proud. It was just oil, sure, but that car ran because of me. There’s a weird joy in completing even the smallest tasks. Fixing up junkyard wrecks becomes a peaceful, zen-like ritual. And once you master small things like how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, you’ll start feeling more confident taking on bigger jobs like engine swaps or gearbox replacements.
Games like this are more than just simulations—they’re about growth, patience, and learning from failure. And every time I hear that engine purr, it’s like a mini-victory.
Going Beyond Basics: Mastering Oil Management for Better Builds
Once you’ve added oil a few times, you’ll begin to notice patterns—how different cars have different engine layouts, how some models are easier to service, and how being fast and accurate saves time and earns more cash. But here’s the kicker: the better you manage oil, the more efficient your garage becomes.
You’re not just pouring virtual liquid; you’re developing habits that mirror real-world mechanical discipline. Once, I skipped checking the dipstick out of laziness, and the car wouldn’t start. That customer gave me a 2-star review. Lesson learned.
So, the takeaway? Take oil management seriously. Even in a game, discipline pays off.
When and Why You Should Change Oil in CMS 2021
Not every car in CMS 2021 needs a full oil change, but most do—especially the ones you’re restoring. Here’s how to figure out when and why it’s necessary:
Situations That Require Oil Change:
After an engine rebuild
When a job explicitly mentions “change oil”
When buying cars from the junkyard, barn, or auction
If the engine test won’t run
When restoring classic or story cars
The game doesn’t always warn you—so consider it your silent duty as a virtual mechanic.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Engine tests fail
Reduced job ratings
Possible failure to complete missions
Waste of time disassembling again later
Don’t let a tiny mistake ruin your big project.
Understanding Different Oil-Related Tools in CMS 2021
Let’s talk tools. CMS 2021 gives you a few critical tools related to oil management. You need to know what they are and how they work:
Tool Name | Purpose | When to Use |
---|---|---|
Oil Drain Tool | Drains old engine oil | Before refilling or replacing oil |
Dipstick | Measures current oil level | After adding oil |
Engine Stand | Used for building or accessing engine | During full engine rebuilds |
Car Lift | Raises car to access oil pan | For oil drainage and inspections |
Using these tools efficiently means you’re working smarter, not harder.
Advanced Tips to Perfect Oil Usage in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021
Ready to level up? Here are some expert-level tricks that’ll make you feel like a pro:
1. Don’t Rely on Visuals Alone
Sometimes the oil looks fine, but it’s not. Use the dipstick religiously. The reading never lies.
2. Always Drain Before Adding New
It’s tempting to top up and go, but this isn’t GTA—it’s a simulator. Mixing oil is never a good idea. Always use the drain tool.
3. Practice with Engine Swaps
During engine swaps, oil is not automatically included. Always remember to add oil once the new engine is installed.
4. Use Engine Stand for Clarity
Engine stands allow a cleaner, more open view. When rebuilding, it’s easier to find the oil fill plug and plan oil addition.
5. Keep a Checklist
Create a mental or written checklist:
Drain oil
Replace oil filter (if needed)
Add oil
Check level
Run engine test
This small system saves hours of redo time.
Using Mods and DLCs to Enhance the Oil Changing Experience
If you’re like me and love adding mods, you’ll appreciate that CMS 2021 supports community-made engines, cars, and parts. Some even include custom oil pans, unique placements for oil caps, or new engine types that behave differently.
Important Tip: Always check mod compatibility with base oil functions.
Some DLCs also add new vehicle types (like electric cars), which may not require oil at all, offering a refreshing change from greasy engines.
So if you’re feeling bored or just curious, dive into the mod world. It’s a game-changer (pun intended).
Emotional Wins: Small Victories Matter
This might sound cheesy, but the first time I restored a barn-find car from rust to roaring beast—and remembered the oil without any prompt—I felt like a king. You get a sense of pride that’s hard to explain. A few lines of code, some basic graphics, yet the emotional payoff is real.
There’s this moment when the engine fires up smoothly for the first time, after hours of work. The oil cap clicks shut. The dipstick shows “Full.” And you just know—you did it right.
That’s why I love CMS 2021. It’s not just a game; it’s a slice of satisfaction in a chaotic world.
Quick Recap: What You’ve Learned
Here’s a final bullet list to lock everything in:
Oil is essential for every engine to run
Always drain old oil before adding new
Use car lifts and oil drain tools correctly
Watch the oil level via the dipstick
Don’t forget oil after engine swaps
Mods and DLCs can change oil behavior
Enjoy the process—it’s rewarding!
FAQs: Going Deeper Into Your Questions
Q1: What happens if I forget to put oil in the car?
Your engine will not start, and you won’t be able to test it.
Q2: How do I check the oil level?
Use the dipstick in the engine bay. Click on it, and it’ll show the oil status.
Q3: Can I add oil before installing the engine?
No. The engine must be fully installed in the car.
Q4: Where do I find the oil drain tool?
Under the tools menu—click on “Equipment” and select “Oil Drain.”
Q5: Can I change oil on any car?
Yes, as long as the engine is installed and the car is on a lift.
Q6: Why is the oil still showing empty after adding?
You might not have added enough. Keep pouring slowly while checking the dipstick. Or check if the engine is complete.
Q7: Can I skip oil changes in some missions?
Yes, but only if the job doesn’t require engine testing. Still, skipping it affects immersion and ratings.
Q8: Do I need to replace the oil filter every time?
Not always, but it’s a good habit—especially in full rebuilds.
Q9: Is oil type a thing in the game?
Currently, CMS 2021 doesn’t require specific oil types. It’s all simulated as generic oil.
Q10: Why can’t I find the oil fill cap?
Try rotating the camera. Some engine types have hidden or unusual placements.
Final Thoughts: You’re Now an Oil Master
So that’s it. You’ve learned how to put oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 like a pro. From draining and filling to using tools wisely and embracing the emotional rollercoaster of simulated repair—you’re now prepared.
It’s wild how something as small as oil can make such a difference, right? In-game or real life, it’s the little things that keep things running smooth.
Now go out there, open that hood, grab the oil can, and make your virtual cars roar back to life.