Where to Get Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: A Complete Guide

Let’s be real—Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 isn’t just a game. It’s an experience. If you’ve ever felt the joy of fixing up a clunky old car in real life, this simulator brings that thrill to your screen. But when I first played it, I ran into a super simple but totally confusing question: Where do you get oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018?
I know I wasn’t alone. It’s one of those things that should be obvious, but it isn’t—especially for new players. You fix engines, replace parts, and change fluids. But then the task says “Refill oil,” and you’re like… “Wait, how?”
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting oil, using it, changing it, and why it’s so important. And I’ll break it down just like a friend showing you the ropes.
Why Oil Matters in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018

You might fix everything else—the clutch, the crankshaft, the timing—but if there’s no oil in the system? Boom. The car won’t run right. Worse, you might even miss out on job rewards or reputation points.
Here’s what oil does in the game:
Lubricates engine parts to prevent wear
Keeps the engine running cool
Improves performance and job satisfaction
Affects job completion ratings and customer happiness
So yeah, it’s not optional. You need to understand where to get oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 to be a successful virtual mechanic.
Where to Get Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: The Short Answer
Let’s cut to the chase. You don’t actually go buy oil from a store or supplier like in real life. Instead, oil is added using a built-in tool in your garage. The tricky part is knowing where to find it and how to use it properly.
Here’s a quick step-by-step summary (we’ll go into more detail soon):
Step | Action | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Open the car hood | In the garage |
2 | Remove the oil fill cap | On top of the engine |
3 | Click on the oil fill point | Use the funnel icon |
4 | Refill oil until full | Watch the gauge carefully |
5 | Exit and close the hood | Job done |
⚠️ Pro Tip: You don’t “buy” oil in a shop. It’s automatically supplied when you use the oil refill tool.
That’s it. But there’s more to it—how to drain oil, how to avoid overfilling, and what happens if you forget. Keep reading!
Step-by-Step: How to Refill Oil in CMS 2018
Alright, let’s go a bit deeper now.
Step 1: Place the Car on the Garage Floor
Don’t overthink it. Just make sure the car is on the main working floor. You can’t refill oil if it’s on the lifter or test path.
Step 2: Pop the Hood
Click on the hood and open it. You’ll see the engine laid out before you. If you’re working on a newer model, look for the yellow or black oil cap—it’s usually marked with an oil can icon.
Step 3: Remove the Oil Fill Cap
Hover over the cap, right-click (or use the game prompt), and remove it. You’ll then be able to interact with the oil refill point.
Step 4: Use the Oil Refill Tool
Click on the oil refill point. A funnel will appear, and the oil refill UI pops up. Pour the oil slowly. Watch the indicator—don’t overfill. Once you hit the max line, stop pouring.
Step 5: Close the Hood and Complete the Job
Once filled, place the cap back, close the hood, and that’s it. You’ve officially figured out where to get oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 and how to use it like a pro.
How to Drain Old Oil (Yes, It Matters)
Before you pour in new oil, you sometimes need to drain the old stuff—especially when doing an oil change task.
Here’s how:
Lift the car using the car lifter
Walk underneath and locate the oil pan
Click to remove the oil drain plug (a pop-up will warn you!)
Confirm, and the oil will spill out
⚠️ Don’t forget to put the drain plug back before refilling!
Alternatively, use the Oil Drain Tool (found near the car lifter). Drag it under the car, open it, and select “Use.” It’s cleaner and safer than letting oil splash on the floor.
Quick Reminder: You won’t be able to fill new oil unless all old oil is drained in specific job scenarios.
Avoiding Common Oil Mistakes in CMS 2018
Even experienced players mess this up sometimes. I’ve done it too, especially when working fast to finish a job. So here are a few things to avoid:
1. Overfilling the Oil
Sounds harmless, but it’s not. The game simulates real-world mechanics. Too much oil can cause engine stress, and some jobs will mark it as an error.
2. Forgetting to Reinstall the Oil Cap
This one’s classic. You do everything right—drain, refill—but forget to put the cap back. The client will complain or the car won’t work correctly.
3. Not Draining Old Oil
Trying to “top off” oil when the job says “change it” won’t work. You have to drain the old stuff first. Otherwise, the task remains incomplete.
4. Ignoring the Oil Task Altogether
Sometimes you’re so deep in replacing engine parts, you miss the oil part. Always double-check the job list on the right. If “refill engine oil” is there—do it before clicking finish.
What Happens If You Don’t Add Oil?
Let me tell you from personal experience: disaster.
The game doesn’t just give you a free pass. If you return the car without refilling oil, you’ll:
Lose job points
Get bad reviews
Risk engine damage (yes, in the game!)
Make less money
It’s like baking a cake and forgetting the flour. All your hard work fixing suspension, brakes, and pistons goes down the drain. The customer leaves mad. Your reputation tanks. And you feel silly for skipping a 30-second task.
Best Time to Add Oil in the Job Flow
Now, you might wonder—when is the right time to add oil in a job flow?
Generally, this is the order I follow:
Run diagnostics
Repair or replace engine components
Drain old oil
Refill new oil
Close hood and complete job
If you pour oil too early and end up removing engine parts again, you might spill or waste it. Timing it right saves effort and keeps things clean.
Troubleshooting Oil-Related Issues in CMS 2018
Even after doing everything right, some players still run into problems. I’ve been there. You refill the oil, click “Finish Job,” and bam—the game says you’re not done. Here’s what might be going wrong:
1. ✅ Didn’t Drain the Old Oil
In some missions, especially oil change requests, the game requires a full drain. Just topping up won’t cut it. If you skip the drain step, even perfectly clean new oil won’t complete the task.
2. ✅ Car Is Still on the Lifter
Believe it or not, you can’t add oil while the car is lifted. It might seem more convenient, but the oil fill prompt won’t show up. Always return the car to the garage floor first.
3. ✅ Missed the Oil Cap or Filled the Wrong Spot
There are a few caps under the hood. If you try pouring into a brake fluid reservoir or power steering system (yep, it’s happened to me), nothing good comes out of it.
4. ✅ Overfilled Oil
Sometimes the oil is so full that the game refuses to finish the job. This is rare, but if you go above the marker, it might cause task failure.
If this happens, use the oil drain tool and restart the fill process from scratch.
CMS 2015 vs. CMS 2018: What’s New About Oil?
Let’s take a quick detour for those who’ve played the older version, Car Mechanic Simulator 2015. I played both, and honestly? The 2018 version handles oil mechanics much more realistically.
Here’s a short comparison:
Feature | CMS 2015 | CMS 2018 |
---|---|---|
Oil Refill Tool | Basic interaction | Realistic funnel + UI |
Oil Drain System | Manual only | Manual + Tool option |
Impact on Job Rating | Minor | Critical |
Oil Quality | Not simulated | Better attention to drain/refill steps |
Bugs & Glitches | More frequent | Much improved stability |
If you’re switching from CMS 2015, expect a smoother and more accurate oil system in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018. It adds realism without being frustrating.
Funny and Relatable Moments with Oil in CMS 2018
Let me tell you a story.
One night, I was deep into a restore project—a beautiful old V8. I replaced every engine part, tuned the carburetor, cleaned the exhaust, polished the hood. I was proud. So proud, in fact, that I forgot to refill the oil.
Clicked “Finish Job.”
Client was furious. I got 0 stars. ♂️
And the worst part? I had saved just before that. So I had to do everything again from scratch. I still laugh at that, but trust me—you only make that mistake once.
This game teaches you attention to detail, and oil is one of those things that slips your mind… until it doesn’t.
Oil Cap Locations for Different Engine Types
To make things easier, here’s a quick lookup table for common engine types and where to find the oil fill cap in CMS 2018:
Engine Type | Oil Cap Location | Cap Color/Shape |
---|---|---|
I4 SOHC | Front-center top of engine | Round, usually yellow |
V6 DOHC | Center between cylinder banks | Black cap |
V8 OHV | Front-top between heads | Chrome cap with dipstick |
Rotary Engine | Left side of top housing | Flat cap |
Boxer Engine | Front corner of engine bay | Often hidden—look carefully! |
Use this as a visual reminder while working on different vehicles. It’ll save you time—and headaches.
FAQs About Where to Get Oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018
Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions. These are real questions I’ve seen online—or asked myself!
1. Where do I buy oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018?
You don’t actually buy oil. When you click the oil fill point, the game provides oil automatically. There’s no oil item in the shop.
2. Why can’t I refill oil?
Make sure the car is on the floor, not on the lift. Open the hood and remove the oil cap. Then click the oil fill point. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting the game.
3. How do I know how much oil to pour?
Watch the on-screen indicator when you pour. Stop just before it reaches the top line. Each engine takes a different amount, so learn by feel over time.
4. What happens if I forget to refill oil?
Your job will fail, and you might get a bad review. Always check the job list before clicking “Finish.”
5. Can I use the oil drain tool for every car?
Yes! It works with all engine types. Just position it under the oil pan and select “Use.” It’s cleaner and more precise than removing the drain plug manually.
6. Do oil changes affect gameplay in the long run?
Absolutely. They impact job satisfaction, XP, and reputation. Plus, it’s just more fun playing like a real mechanic!
7. How realistic is the oil system in CMS 2018?
Surprisingly realistic! You have to drain, refill, avoid overfilling, and replace the oil cap. It mirrors real-life processes pretty well.
8. Why is the oil task not marked as complete?
You likely missed one step—either you didn’t drain the oil first, forgot to reinstall the cap, or overfilled it. Recheck everything before submitting.
Final Thoughts: Oil Is Simple—But Crucial
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hundreds of hours playing this game, it’s this: oil tasks might seem minor, but they separate rookies from pros.
Knowing where to get oil in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is just the beginning. Understanding when to use it, how to refill it properly, and how to avoid silly mistakes turns you into a real virtual mechanic.
The next time you work on a car in CMS 2018, take a moment to appreciate the small stuff—like oil. It may not be glamorous, but it’s essential. And now you’ve got the knowledge to handle it like a champ.
Want more in-depth guides on CMS 2018? Or a walkthrough of other tricky tasks like brake bleeding or gearbox swaps?
Let me know, and I’ll whip up another detailed guide just for you.
Let’s keep the engines running.