Can I Add Oil to My Car Until I Get an Oil Change?

by Synthetic Oil | Last Updated: May 28, 2023

Routine vehicle maintenance is crucial for keeping your car in optimal condition and ensuring its longevity. Among the essential maintenance tasks, regular oil changes are paramount. However, there may come a time when you need to delay an oil change. In such a situation, you may wonder, “Can I add oil to my car until I get an oil change?” Let’s explore the implications of adding oil to your car before an oil change, considering both the benefits and drawbacks of topping off.

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The Importance of Oil Changes

You will see and hear this phrase many times when owning a car: “Oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine.” Without oil, your car will not last long. Motor oil performs several vital functions, including lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, preventing wear and tear, cooling the engine, and carrying away contaminants. Over time, engine oil becomes less effective due to heat, contaminants, and additive breakdown. Regular oil changes are essential to maintaining engine performance and preventing costly repairs.

The Benefits of Adding Oil to Your Car Before an Oil Change

So, let’s say you are in the middle of a road trip and can’t get to a service center right away. Should you top off the oil if you know you’ve already surpassed the oil change interval? In most scenarios, topping off has some benefit, including:

• Maintaining Proper Lubrication: Adequate engine lubrication is vital for minimizing friction and wear between moving parts. Topping off the oil level helps ensure continued lubrication until the oil change.
• Preserving Engine Performance: Low oil levels can affect engine performance, leading to decreased power and efficiency. Topping off the oil can help maintain optimal performance until the scheduled oil change.
• Protecting Engine Components: Engine oil acts as a protective barrier, preventing metal-to-metal contact and reducing the risk of damage to critical engine components. Keeping the oil level within the recommended range helps safeguard these components.
• Avoiding Additional Problems: Low oil levels can contribute to overheating and increased engine stress. Topping off the oil mitigates these risks, minimizing the chances of experiencing other engine-related issues.

What is the Proper Way For Topping Off Engine Oil?

Topping off engine oil is a straightforward process when done correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on the proper way to top off engine oil:

1. Gather the Necessary Tools

You will need a clean funnel, a clean rag or paper towels (for your hands and to wipe up any oil spills), and the appropriate type and viscosity of engine oil as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Consult your owner’s manual or check under the hood for information on the recommended oil type.

2. Park on a Level Surface

Ensure that your vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface. This will help you get an accurate reading of the oil level.

3. Allow the Engine to Cool

It is crucial to let the engine cool down before checking or adding oil. Hot oil can cause burns. If you’ve been running your engine for a while, wait for at least 10 minutes after turning off the engine before proceeding.

4. Open the Hood

Release the hood latch inside your vehicle and open the hood. Secure the hood with the prop rod or hood support.

5. Locate the Oil Dipstick

The oil dipstick is usually labeled and has a brightly colored handle. It is typically located near the front or side of the engine. Refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble finding it.

6. Check the Oil Level

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel, and reinsert it fully into the dipstick tube. Remove it again and observe the oil level on the dipstick. There are usually indicators or markings on the dipstick to show the acceptable range for oil level. Ensure that the oil level is below the maximum mark and above the minimum mark.

This is also a good time to consider whether your oil is dirty or clean.

7. Add Oil Gradually

If the oil level is below the recommended range, it’s time to add oil. Insert the funnel into the oil filler hole, which is typically located on the valve cover or engine block. Slowly pour the oil into the funnel, allowing it to flow into the engine. Take care not to overfill the engine, as it can lead to foaming and reduced lubrication efficiency.

8. Check the Oil Level Again

After adding oil, wait for a few moments to allow it to settle into the engine. Then, repeat the process of checking the oil level using the dipstick. Make sure the oil level is within the acceptable range.

9. Secure the Oil Cap and Close the Hood

Once you are satisfied with the oil level, remove the funnel, securely replace the oil filler cap, and close the hood properly.

Can You Just Add Oil to a Car Without Ever Changing the Oil?

Adding oil to a car without ever changing it is not a recommended practice. While adding oil can temporarily address low levels and provide some benefits, it does not address the long-term needs of your engine.

The biggest reason you need to change your oil is oil degradation. When exposed to high heat for long periods of time, engine oil begins to break down. Its ability to lubricate, cool, and protect your engine is diminished. Topping off does not eliminate this oil degradation, nor does it remove the old oil from the system.

Furthermore, oil accumulates dirt and other contaminants when in use. Regular oil changes keep these contaminants from impacting the engine negatively.

Timely oil changes also ensure your engine has enough lubrication to perform and do so efficiently. If you want to keep your car for many miles, topping off alone is not going to cut it.

So while the answer to “Can I add oil to my car until I get an oil change?” is yes, you want to make sure you do indeed get that oil change.

Final Thoughts on Just Adding Oil to a Car

Adding oil to your car before an oil change can serve as a temporary solution when immediate maintenance is not possible. However, it is crucial to remember that this should only be done in exceptional circumstances. Regular oil changes are necessary to maintain your engine’s health and prevent long-term damage. If you find yourself consistently adding oil between oil changes, it is advisable to consult a professional mechanic to address any underlying issues promptly.