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How to add oil to the engine correctly: is it possible to add oil to a hot engine, where to fill the oil. How to add antifreeze to the cooling system Where to add oil

Its physical dimensions and a number of other features.

To control the level of lubrication on most motors, a mechanical dipstick is used, however, some power plants they don't have it. In this case, on dashboard implemented a separate electronic indicator. There are also combined solutions.

As a rule, during operation, for various reasons, a decrease in the level of lubrication may occur. Since it is impossible to continue to operate the engine with a low level of lubricant, in this case you need to know how much oil should be added to the engine, as well as how to do it without harm to.

In this article, we intend to talk about when to add oil to the engine, how to do it correctly, in what cases it is possible to add another oil to the engine without risk, and also under what conditions this can cause possible harm to the unit or is strictly prohibited.

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How often to add oil to the engine

As already mentioned, oil is added to the engine in different cases. The lubrication level can go both for natural reasons and fall as a result of engine breakdowns, after wrong selection and discrepancies in the type of product used, changes in the properties of the lubricant, etc.

To understand whether it is necessary to add oil to the engine, you need to check its level by putting the car on a flat surface. It is advisable to check the level “cold”, after several hours of inactivity, that is, when the grease has completely drained into the sump. For a quick check, it will be enough to wait 5-15 minutes, but such an analysis may turn out to be more approximate than accurate.

Taking into account the characteristics of a particular internal combustion engine, you can understand whether topping up is needed and how often it is necessary. In some cases, it is necessary to add lubricant, for example, every thousand kilometers, which is typical for faulty units with increased oil consumption as a result of wear, gaskets, seals.

In other internal combustion engines, the level is stable, that is, the lubricant is not topped up from replacement to replacement. Also, the level can be stable in the city and modes of medium loads, however, after driving on the highway, high revs a decrease is observed. In such a situation, it should be remembered that lubrication under high load conditions is consumed by waste, which is often stated by the engine manufacturers themselves.

Moreover, the manual may separately indicate that oil consumption is not only acceptable, but also within what limits it is normal for a particular motor. Based on the foregoing, you can understand what frequency of topping up is suitable in a particular case.

How to add oil to the engine: in winter, in summer, in a cold or hot internal combustion engine

To begin with, topping up the lubricant is often done on a cold one. It is poured into cold engine due to the fact that it is easier and faster to determine required level, i.e. to avoid possible underfilling or overfilling of the lubricant.

As practice shows, in the winter, especially when severe frosts, it is best to warm up the engine first, then give it time to cool down, as well as drain and “settle” the lubricant. Such preheating will allow the highly thickened lubricant to return to proper fluidity.

After that, the motor cools down, but the lubricating fluid still remains diluted, that is, the level can be determined quite accurately. Next, topping up is carried out, which is available in the internal combustion engine and fresh lubricant is easily mixed into a homogeneous mass.

However, it also happens that you have to add oil to hot engine(for example, ) while driving. This situation is quite common and becomes a reason for questions of this kind, what will happen if the driver added cold oil to a hot engine.

In this case, it is important to take into account not only the correct level, but also what temperature the lubricant has, which is topped up. You should also pay attention to the extent to which such topping up takes place. For a better understanding, let's imagine a standard situation when the car owner was driving along the highway, the engine was warmed up to operating temperatures, but then the light came on low pressure in the lubrication system.

Naturally, the driver stopped, turned off the power unit and found a low oil level. Then he immediately took out a canister from the trunk and added a liter of oil to the engine. If this happens in the summer, then the main risk will only be overfilling or underfilling in level, that is, inaccuracies as a result of topping up “hot”. But if it happens in winter, then the situation is somewhat different.

It is not difficult to guess that the lubricating fluid in the trunk will turn out to be very cold, that is, when poured into a warm engine, a strong temperature difference will occur. If at the same time such lubricating fluid not 50-100 grams are poured, but a whole liter or more, then the consequences can be unpredictable.

Experts note that in such a situation, the risk of not only exceeding the level or underfilling, but also the appearance of parts, as well as other defects in relation to individual elements of the internal combustion engine, increases significantly. In view of the foregoing, it becomes clear why the motor needs to be given time to cool down before adding lubricant, and in winter this is especially true.

If there is no suitable oil at hand for topping up

Quite often, motorists face an urgent need to add oil to the engine of a different viscosity, they have to use a third-party lubricant, there is no other way out but to add, etc.

Note that in some emergency situations, such actions are quite acceptable. At the same time, it is important to know when it is possible to add oil to a different brand of engine, what type of lubricant is better to use, what volume of lubricant to fill in. Let's figure it out.

Let's start with what to mix Various types lubricants of even one manufacturer is not recommended. The fact is that each product has a unique package of active chemical additives. These additives, when mixed, can react, which leads to precipitation, the oil in the motor coagulates, loses its properties.

In this case, mixing of mineral water with semi-synthetics and vice versa is allowed. Also, a synthetic lubricant can be added to a semi-synthetic product, and a semi-synthetic material can be added to synthetics.

Hydrocracking oils are recommended not to be mixed with both mineral and synthetic lubricants. However, in case of emergency, they can be mixed with mineral-based oils. We add that in case of urgent need and lack of choice, you can add any oil, since working without lubrication will definitely destroy the motor.

We also add that the best option can be considered mixing oils of the same manufacturer, which have the same base. In this case, the risks are minimal. If, for example, you add to the semi-synthetics of one brand exactly the same in terms of characteristics semi-synthetic oil another brand, then unwanted reactions may well occur.

Now let's turn to the so-called multi-purpose oils, which can be used equally in diesel and gasoline internal combustion engines, and also consider the possibility of adding diesel oil to gasoline unit and vice versa.

First, diesel oil does not differ much from gasoline in many respects, that is, such a lubricant can be added to emergency. Universal oils are an alternative at all, that is, they have balanced characteristics suitable for both types of engines.

The main thing is that before adding lubricant, the above recommendations must be taken into account. It is also important to remember that while driving on such a mixture of oils, the power unit should not be loaded.

As soon as possible mixed oil must be completely removed from the internal combustion engine, and then replaced with the type of lubricant recommended for a particular engine, along with oil filter. We add that before changing the oil, it may be necessary to additionally flush the engine or reduce the further service interval by 30-50%.

Adding oil to the engine: step by step instructions for beginners

  • So, after making sure that topping up is necessary and having decided which oil will be added to the engine, it is necessary to put the car on a flat surface.
  • Then let the engine cool down (preferably leave the car for a few hours), and also allow the oil to drain completely into the sump.
  • Now you need to get to the oil filler neck. The indicated neck is located under the cover, which is located in the upper part. Most often, the lid has a pictogram in the form of an oil can with a drop of oil.
  • Next, you should unscrew the lid, you can also wipe it with a clean rag, and then set it aside.
  • Then you will need to make it yourself or insert a ready-made funnel into the oil filler neck. For self-manufacturing the top of a plastic bottle is suitable, which is enough to cut off from the base.

Please note that during all manipulations, do not allow dirt, dust, debris, foreign liquids or objects to enter the oil filler neck. A homemade or ready-made funnel must also be absolutely clean.

The presence of a funnel allows you to carefully add oil, and without the risk of spilling lubricant on the cylinder block and cylinder head. If oil gets on these parts, it will burn out from high heat, smoke and smell bad.

Engine oils also damage rubber elements, soften insulation, all kinds of seals and similar elements in engine compartment. If oil has been spilled, then it is recommended to carefully wipe it off with a rag.

  • When topping up, oil should not be added immediately, but gradually. This means that 100-200 ml should be poured from the canister at a time. Next, you need to allow the grease to drain from the cylinder head into the sump. This may take about 10-15 minutes. Then the level is checked, after which you can continue to add lubricant again if necessary.
  • When checking the level on the dipstick, you must first remove the dipstick, then wipe it with a clean cloth, then reinsert it all the way into the hole and remove it again. Only after re-extraction can the level of lubricant in the sump be assessed.
  • After the oil level on the dipstick is strictly between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks, it is necessary to firmly insert it into the hole and tighten the oil filler cap.
  • The final step is to start the engine. Evaluate the operation of the internal combustion engine for extraneous noise, knocks, vibrations. Make sure that the oil pressure light on the dashboard does not light up, the electronic level does not show an insufficient amount of oil, do not.
  • Next, warm up the power unit, take a test drive. After that, it is recommended to let the engine cool down, after which the oil level is checked again. If a decrease in the level is noticeable again, fresh streaks appear from under the covers, seals or seals, traces of oil under the machine are visible, then the engine needs in-depth diagnostics and repair.

Remember, driving with low oil levels can quickly damage the internal combustion engine. For this reason, in a number of emergency cases, it is recommended to abandon attempts to get to the service station on your own. If the oil leaks are intense, then it is best to use a tow truck.

Read also

Should the engine consume oil and what oil consumption is the norm for the motor. Increased consumption lubricants, main causes, frequent malfunctions.

Before you try to add oil to your car's engine, you should find out what specific oil it needs. It is quite important to know this in advance, because the types of oil can differ even within the same model from season to season (winter and summer oil) and even from modification to modification if these modifications have different engines. Different grades of oil must not be mixed, therefore, before topping up with engine oil, it is necessary to know exactly the brand of oil used in your car.

In addition, you can find the right brand of oil from the staff at most auto shops.

Need I mention that you should already be aware that the amount of oil in the engine is low by checking its level before reading this article.

First of all, you need to open the hood of your car, for which pull the lever in the passenger compartment - on most cars it is located below at the knee level of the driver’s left leg in his comfortable sitting position, but it can also be located at the level of the pedals (that is, even lower).

Next, open the hood lid by finding another lever in the slot under the hood lid that appeared after you opened it from the passenger compartment. Fix the hood cover open with a rod, one end of which is hinged on the hood cover or in the hood itself, and the other end must be fixed respectively in the hood or on the hood cover in a special hole.


Next you need to find the oil filler cap, which is located on top of the engine block and, as a rule, is clearly visible with the words " Oil Fill", and sometimes the designation of the type of engine oil that your car uses. If you see, for example, the inscription 5W30 on the lid, you will already know what type of oil to add. Unscrew the lid, wipe it with a paper towel or cloth, and set it aside.


Insert a clean funnel into the oil filler neck (from where you just unscrewed the cap). It is highly advisable to use a funnel to add oil to the engine, otherwise you will run the risk of spilling it all over the engine block, which will simply burn this oil, heating up to a very high temperature during operation, and create a terrible smell, and sometimes can lead to more serious problems.

Add the appropriate type of oil in small amounts. Don't just turn a bottle or can of oil upside down and let it pour into the engine. You need to pour no more than 150-250 ml of oil in one step, and then wait for the filled oil to sink into the sump (You know that this will not happen immediately if you read). It is important to allow some time to allow the oil to drain down into the sump - about 15-20 minutes.


By the way, if you spilled a little oil on engine compartment, do not panic. Residual oil won't become super-dangerous on the engine, although it will stink when you start and warm up the engine. Try to wipe and clean the spilled oil as much as possible with a rag or paper towel.

After you have waited for the freshly filled oil to drain into the sump, check the oil level again with the dipstick. If there is still not enough oil, then repeat the oil topping process described above (also remembering to wait 15-20 minutes for the oil to drain into the engine sump) until the oil level on the dipstick is exactly between the minimum and maximum marks. Remember to wipe the dipstick before every oil level check.

It is an important component that is needed for the full existence of the car. Previously, antifreeze was used instead of antifreeze, but technical progress does not stand still and now each foreign car has its own. It is important for a car enthusiast to choose the right fluid.

The question is mainly of concern to beginners, but experienced motorists also have problems with how to add coolant. Therefore, in this article we will describe an algorithm of actions, when considering which you will never have problems with adding antifreeze.

Action algorithm:

  1. Before adding antifreeze, you need to make sure that it is available and that it is suitable for your car.
  2. Antifreeze is added only if the level of antifreeze is below the minimum mark.
  3. In order to carry out the following steps, you must have antifreeze itself and clean water with you.

Do not forget that you can not pour cold water into a hot engine!

Antifreeze is not poured in its pure form, but in proportion with water. The proportion can be 1 part and one part 1/1 distilled water.

  • It is advisable to have gloves with you in order not to get your hands dirty. If you pour antifreeze at a gas station, you can take gloves there. But every self-respecting car owner should always have gloves in the trunk.
  • Open the hood. If you have recently purchased a car and do not know how the hood opens, then you should refer to the operating instructions for your car.
  • Find the reservoir where the coolant is poured, if you don’t know, then again, look at the car’s operating instructions.
  • Rotate the barrel lid one turn to release the pressure and then completely unscrew the lid.
  • Do not unscrew the cover if the engine is overheated, as you can burn your hands.
  • In order to fill in antifreeze, you must select the average value between the maximum and minimum marks.
  • When the antifreeze is poured, then we twist the barrel lid back.
  • After all of the above, start the car and check the coolant level.

And finally, if you follow all the rules, then the question is how

Dear friends, today we would like to highlight the topic of automotive antifreeze. Without this tool the car will not function properly. Antifreeze appeared automotive world as a worthy replacement, which was discontinued on production cars years ago. Technological progress is moving forward with large and confident steps. Today, for each car model, a certain type of this consumable is produced.

In this article, we will tell you how to correct replacement antifreeze in your car. This article is a clear step-by-step guide for beginner motorists. Why for beginners? Because such a process as replacing antifreeze is quite simple, and experienced car owners, most likely, will not experience any difficulties when performing this procedure.

What is antifreeze, and what is its composition?

is an antifreeze liquid with toxic properties, based on ethylene glycol (non-toxic, but more expensive propylene glycol is less often used) with the addition of water and various additives that provide it with special properties. The additive package may include corrosion inhibitors, compounds that prevent foaming and cavitation, and fluorescent dyes.

The physical characteristics of ethylene glycol come in handy for using it as a base for antifreeze. In addition to lowering the freezing point, it also raises the boiling point, and this allows you to charge the system, significantly expanding the temperature range of its application.

As stated above, dyes are added to the non-freezing liquid, signaling the main properties of the liquid. They also play the role of a “litmus test” and, during the development of additives, lose their color intensity, further reporting that the liquid is no longer suitable and needs to be replaced. Due to the cooling properties of antifreeze, you will need some knowledge on how to properly fill it. It is necessary to avoid all sorts of mistakes that can be made in car care.

To find out how much antifreeze to fill in, you should refer to the car manual. The best option, of course, there will be an appeal to a car service. There, they will conduct a qualitative inspection of the car’s cooling system, as well as the correct replacement of antifreeze, followed by appropriate recommendations.

Preparation of antifreeze for the bay

First of all, antifreeze should be changed on average every 75,000 kilometers. If you do not make such distances, then you should complete replacement coolant every two years. There are some criteria that contribute to the premature replacement of antifreeze. They may depend on the operational period and technical condition. vehicle. An unscheduled replacement of antifreeze is carried out if:

- antifreeze has darkened or clouded;

Your vehicle's engine has been overhaul, at which the coolant was drained;

Cooling system components damaged due to antifreeze leak.

Before proceeding with the replacement of antifreeze, decide on its type and type that is suitable for your car model. We advise you not to reinvent things that have already been invented before you, and therefore refer to the manual of your vehicle, in which everything is clearly described. If the store shelves do not have the antifreeze model you need, consult a specialist who will select a coolant with similar properties that will ideally suit your car.

Drain antifreeze

So, the necessary model of antifreeze has already been acquired, which means that you should proceed to its direct replacement. Of course, you can entrust the replacement of the coolant to qualified specialists by driving the car to a car service, but you can do it yourself, saving money. As we mentioned earlier, this is not at all difficult. We will immediately make a reservation that initially it is necessary to completely drain the antifreeze from the machine system, and then fill it with new consumables.

To get started, be sure to park your car on a level surface. This is necessary in order to clearly see the level of antifreeze in the cooling system. After that, drain the coolant, clearly guided by a certain algorithm of actions:

1. Prepare and place a container under the antifreeze drain;

2. Unscrew the antifreeze drain valves from the system. Open them carefully to prevent spillage of antifreeze. Drain gradually;

3. After draining the main part of the coolant, unscrew the cap expansion tank.

Please note that the taps and pipes may be located in different places, depending on design features your vehicle.

How to fill in antifreeze?

After the process of draining the coolant is completed successfully, seal the cooling system by closing all pipes and taps. After that, you can finally proceed to the bay of new antifreeze. This is also done according to a certain algorithm:

1. To prevent antifreeze from spilling, it is necessary to install a watering can in the expansion tank or radiator;

2. After that, fill in antifreeze. This should be done gradually, without pouring out all the antifreeze at once. If the pressure is too high, an air lock may form, which will prevent the car's cooling system from working correctly in the future;

3. Note that the expansion tank has "minimum" and "maximum" marks. It is recommended to fill in liquid no higher than the minimum mark;

4. Tighten the cap of the expansion tank tightly;

5. Start the engine and let the car stand for about 10 minutes, observing the condition of the coolant;

6. Add antifreeze to the minimum mark in the expansion tank.

That's all the action. Now you know how to fill in antifreeze correctly. After all the above procedures, start the car and let it reach the desired temperature power unit. Check the condition of the cooling system and the level of antifreeze. In no case should the liquid drop below the minimum mark. Everything is good? Sit quietly behind the wheel. It is important to know! We want to warn you finally about the mistake that many beginners make: in no case do not open the cap of the expansion tank while the engine is running, because this threatens to splash antifreeze, which can lead to burns on exposed skin.

Many drivers carry out the procedure for replacing and topping up the coolant on their own. Sometimes a lot of questions arise: top up cold or hot, the choice of antifreeze, ways not to air the system. Parts are often made from non-identical materials, and changing antifreeze will negatively affect the function and integrity of the cooling system.

Manufacturers have come up with different topping methods. Liquids are poured into the radiator on the Hyundai Solaris, Ford Focus. The second method is through the expansion tank (Kia Rio, Renault Logan). From the general: the mixture is poured into the machine on a cold one.
Ways to add fluid while keeping the car are described further.

Antifreeze: is it possible to top up

For efficient operation, there must be a heat-removing fluid inside the system circuit. The coolant mixture contains a certain percentage of water. At work, she interacts with high temperatures evaporating. There are criteria when you need to add or completely change antifreeze.

If there is not enough antifreeze, it must be added, otherwise there is a threat to normal cooling, air locks. The working fluid gradually begins to change properties, losing active substances. Control the amount of antifreeze and top up on time. Make sure that the added fluid matches the standards already added to the tank.

How often do you need to add antifreeze

Car manufacturers give different service life of the coolant mixture. Topping up is carried out as it is used, since the boiling point evaporates the water component. Maintain the level of antifreeze, there is no clear time frame for filling.

Unforeseen circumstances may occur that determine how often the procedure should be performed. Imperceptible hose leak, cracks in the metal components of the car, radiator corrosion. With frequent topping up of antifreeze, inspect (the bright color of the mixture helps) the tightness of the system when the engine is hot, where pressure is created.


Is it possible to add antifreeze of different colors

Adding liquids of different colors is undesirable, but acceptable. The color scale is not a strictly regulated norm. Each manufacturer awards their product with a color. For proper topping up, use the same antifreeze or carefully select another by class and composition.

To rely on color differences, you need to consider the scale introduced by Volkswagen. In this list, each class gets its own coloring. G11 - traditional, or silicate coolants. Color - blue or green. G12, G12+, G12++ are made from organic acids. Such mixtures received colors of red, orange or lilac. G13 is a safe propylene glycol fluid. They are colored purple or yellow. Conclusion: do not rush to add red liquid - green composition.


Is it possible to fill in antifreeze of a different brand, but of the same color

There are no hard and fast standards. There is no guarantee that liquid of the same color as yours, but of a different brand, will be identical. Antifreeze from another manufacturer may be made on an incompatible basis, contain incompatible additives, which will damage the cooling system. After making sure that the solution poured into the car and the purchased solution are compatible, use a different brand of liquid without being tied to color.

Is it possible to add distilled water to antifreeze

Substances are sold concentrated along with ready-made mixtures. Distilled water should be added to the concentrate, as it does not contain undesirable components (chlorine, fluorine and others). Ordinary tap water forms scale on the walls of the system, which will worsen the heat transfer properties. Separated parts can clog the parts responsible for the movement of fluid along the contours, the machine will begin to boil.

Distillation removes harmful substances. Provided that the liquid level has dropped slightly, only water can be used. Remember that this affects the properties of the antifreeze that was previously filled.

Is it possible to add antifreeze to antifreeze

The aggressive properties of antifreeze are very sensitive to other components, and what will happen after topping up is unpredictable. Possible crystal formation, corrosion of aluminum components, corrosion of hoses. There is a release of flakes of sediment, dangerous for moving parts and filters, neutralization of additives of poured antifreeze.

Conclusion - nothing can be added to antifreeze, with the exception of distilled water, but it lowers the degree of freezing. If you dilute antifreeze with water in a ratio of about 50/50, the engine will work, but mentally say goodbye to the pump and car thermostat.

What antifreeze can be added if I forgot the brand of the old

When you need to add coolant, and data on the previous one is lost, it's best not to risk it. If you don’t know only the brand of the old one, it’s not so bad. It is permissible to fill in another identical class to an existing one. The first owner of the car from the salon needs to find information from the manufacturer. Worse, when the type of antifreeze is also unknown. It is better to flush and completely replace the coolant.

What antifreeze to fill in Hyundai Solaris

Motorists are interested in the question of how to replace the factory refrigerant with Japanese car. In Hyundai Solaris from the factory you need to fill green liquid CoolStream A-110 or Crown LLC A-110.

If the color of the old liquid or antifreeze corresponds to class G11, then the same must be poured into the car. On every car of 2012, 2013 and 2015, the G12 + class is used. With antifreeze G12++ (as Opel Astra J), can only be mixed with G13.

What is the best antifreeze to fill in Renault Logan

The French cool their engines with their own liquids like Renault Type D is yellow. This antifreeze is suitable for 1.4/1.6/2 liter engines. The basis of the mixture is ethylene glycol, they belong to class G12. Mix the concentrate with distilled water, proportion 1:0.8. You don't need to use G12+. You need to add liquid to the expansion tank between the minimum mark and the maximum.

What antifreeze to fill in Kia Rio

Starting from the second generation, coolants of the G12 + class are poured into the car at the factory. Older foreign cars were filled with traditional green G11 coolant. For Kia 2013 - 2014, red mixtures with distilled water can be poured into the tank.

Topping up antifreeze in Kia Rio

A car of a Korean concern is obtained by topping up the coolant in the expansion tank. Add antifreeze on a cold engine, the liquid level should reach the Full mark.

  1. First, prepare the liquid in a clean bowl. We take one part of the distillate and the mixture (the proportions recommended in the instructions for the Kia Rio). Choose the right proportions for the correct operation and protection of the cooling system.
  2. We remove the cap of the expansion tank without touching the hose going to the radiator. There is a tube in the tank, pulling out which you can get a filler neck.
  3. We carry out topping up and return the hose to its place, close the plug on the neck, turn on the engine. Detailed description on the picture.



Topping up antifreeze cold or hot?

Replenish the liquid level is cold. When the engine is cold, the coolant does not lose capacity, if it is hot, the volume changes under pressure. Vapors from uncooled antifreeze can cause burns when the tank cap is opened (thermal and chemical). If the mixture is cold: the system is not pressurized and you can see how much mixture needs to be added.