{"id":1284,"date":"2023-07-23T01:19:11","date_gmt":"2023-07-23T01:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/?p=1284"},"modified":"2023-07-22T16:08:58","modified_gmt":"2023-07-22T16:08:58","slug":"can-you-put-oil-in-a-hot-engine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/can-you-put-oil-in-a-hot-engine\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Put Oil in A Hot Engine\/Car? What Happens?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Adding oil to car engines is something as ordinary as the sun rising in the East; what matters more is HOW you do it. Many drivers have started making it a habit to add oil to the engine while it is still hot, which raises quite a few eyebrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What might happen if you do it? Our insightful guide will explore all there is to know about this. Keep scrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h6>In this article:<\/h6><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#can-i-add-oil-to-a-hot-engine-what-happens\">Can I Add Oil To A Hot Engine? What Happens?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-long-to-let-the-engine-cool-before-adding-oil-the-ideal-temperature\">How Long to Let the Engine Cool Before Adding Oil? The Ideal Temperature<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#how-to-fill-the-engine-with-oil-properly\">How to Fill The Engine With Oil Properly?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#adding-oil-or-changing-oil-which-is-better-when-is-the-best-time-for-each-option\">Adding Oil or Changing Oil: Which Is Better? When Is The Best Time for Each Option?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#fa-qs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-i-add-oil-to-a-hot-engine-what-happens\"><strong>Can I Add Oil To A Hot Engine? What Happens?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Technically, you can.\u00a0Most cars&#8217; engines are made of heavy-duty substances, which are unlikely to rust or damage due to excessive temperature. A little oil surely will not hurt it one bit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A sizzling engine causes liquids and oils of all types to jostle under heated engine temperature, causing huge splashbacks. Imagine if some of these drops were flung onto her skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, hot oils are notorious for appearing thinner than usual, prompting the dipstick and oil sensor to show lower numbers than it actually is. Overfilling issues are sure at bay; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/engine-oil-leak-repair-cost\/\">oil leaks<\/a> all over your gas cap are the shortest way to spark a fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Oil-Change_Mechanic.jpg\" alt=\"Oil-Change_Mechanic\" class=\"wp-image-857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Oil-Change_Mechanic.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Oil-Change_Mechanic-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Oil-Change_Mechanic-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-to-let-the-engine-cool-before-adding-oil-the-ideal-temperature\"><strong>How Long to Let the Engine Cool Before Adding Oil<\/strong><strong>? The Ideal Temperature<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned, adding oil to a hot engine compartment doesn&#8217;t put the car in immediate danger.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, to avoid unnecessary or even dangerous burns, it would be best to wait until the internal combustion engine finally cools down (but not too cool) &#8211; or at least gets warmer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, my oil level measurement would be more accurate that way, with no excessive temperature and sizzling area expansion that might impact its readings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are my two cents: assess the engine&#8217;s temperature first before proceeding with your oil.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If the engine is too hot<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Shut it off first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wait about 20 minutes (stretching to 30 minutes if you want) to give it time to cool off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once done, drain the old fuel with an oil pump, then put in the new oil type.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If the engine is too cold (below zero due to cold weather):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Start the car<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leave it running for a few minutes and get warmed up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shut off the car and top your engine oil level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The next section will delve further into specific steps, ensuring even a beginner can&#8217;t do it wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-fill-the-engine-with-oil-properly\"><strong>How to Fill The Engine With Oil Properly?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"part-1-checking-the-oil\"><strong>Part 1. Checking The Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1. Let Your Car Rest For Five Minutes Before Checking The Oil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why this advice? I checked the oil immediately after turning off my Jeep once, which resulted in accurate readings: some of my oil was still slotting on the engine&#8217;s top.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, keeping the vehicle on an even and level surface is important. Double-check to ensure the oil isn&#8217;t being checked on slants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2. Pop The Car Hood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My Jeep had a middle-size lever, which I used to pull off the hood. I ran my fingers between the car body and the hood until I touched it, and then, I pressed the lever inward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some more modern cars will have a built-in button for such purposes; you only need to touch it for a few seconds. Check which one is your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3. Find The Dipstick<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My Jeep dipstick is small, with a yellow loop labeled &#8220;Oil.&#8221; But trust me, even without that label, the dipstick is super easy to locate &#8211; a long metal piece that extends to the pan to inform you of how much oil fuel is left.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Installed near the car&#8217;s front, it arrives with a hook-shaped, circular handle, which I use to draw the stick out without getting my hands dirty.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 4. Pull The Dipstick Out and Wipe It With A Clean Cloth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Engine oil spurts the dipstick during the car&#8217;s run, meaning you must clean it first to get accurate readings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The marks on my Jeep stick are thin red lines (other cars might have cross-hatch squares, bends, or dots; it depends). Your proper oil level should be between the bottom and the maximum line (Full Line).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 5. Reinsert Your Dipstick, Then Pull Out to Observe The Oil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confirm which line or mark your oil level is reaching. In the best scenario, it should be far from the bottom and close to the highest mark.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that is not possible, then at least ensure the level is not below your minimum mark. Anything lower than that means you will have to add some more oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Check Dipstick &amp; Engine Oil - EASY\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/H9-YT9RiM84?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"part-2-adding-oil\"><strong>Part 2. Adding Oil<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 1. Pop The Car Hood<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pull the lever or press the button, depending on your car model. Refer to Step 2 in Part 1 for more info. By doing so, the car engine is completely exposed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 2. Locate The Fill Port.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my Jeep, this port is labeled &#8220;Oil,&#8221; accompanied by a small oil icon at the top. But if you struggle to find yours, check the car&#8217;s front (near the dipstick and engine) or revisit the manual from your vehicle manufacturer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unscrew the port&#8217;s top and put it aside.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step 3. Add Oil To Your Reservoir and Check It Periodically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not rush it. Add the oil for about two to three seconds, wait about one minute, then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.caranddriver.com\/features\/a28246625\/how-to-check-engine-oil\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.caranddriver.com\/features\/a28246625\/how-to-check-engine-oil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">recheck the dipstick<\/a>. Clean it when done, pour in some more, and read the dipstick again. Repeat until satisfied.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why the trouble? I want to ensure the oil reaches as close as possible to the highest mark without overflowing. I really have no time to clean up the mess otherwise!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are finished, close the fill cap. That&#8217;s basically it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Top Up Your Cars Engine Oil - Castrol &amp; Quentin Willson\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OiigBOhLfQs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adding-oil-or-changing-oil-which-is-better-when-is-the-best-time-for-each-option\"><strong>Adding Oil or Changing Oil: Which Is Better? When Is The Best Time for Each Option?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s no &#8220;better&#8221; option. It all depends on the oil&#8217;s condition. For my part, I only change the oil when there are clear signals of contamination; otherwise, a simple oil top is enough to last my Jeep for miles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And how do we know whether the oil is polluted? Again, the dipstick is my best friend; I dig it deep into the oil and pull the stick out to check the color. Sludge-like, dirty colors clearly indicate my oil needs changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fa-qs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-you-add-motor-oil-while-the-engine-is-running\"><strong>Can You Add Motor Oil While The Engine Is Running?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, it&#8217;s too dangerous. The risks of burns and injuries are higher than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-it-true-that-every-type-of-oil-flows-faster-when-hot\"><strong>Is It True That Every Type Of Oil Flows Faster When Hot?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, due to its decreased viscosity, which paves the way for a more seamless flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, my take on putting oil in a car while the engine is hot can deliver some helpful pointers. Avoid hot engines at all costs to sidestep possible skin injuries, and check the dipstick&#8217;s readings frequently for punctual oil tops and oil changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>See more:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/take-5-oil-change-prices\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1131\">Take 5 oil change prices<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/grease-monkey-oil-change-price\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1127\">Grease Monkey oil change price<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/valvoline-oil-change-price\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1132\">Valvoline oil change price<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/big-o-tires-oil-change-price\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1278\">Big O Tires oil change price<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Adding oil to car engines is something as ordinary as the sun rising in the East; what matters more is HOW you do it. Many &#8230; <a title=\"Can You Put Oil in A Hot Engine\/Car? What Happens?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/can-you-put-oil-in-a-hot-engine\/\" aria-label=\"More on Can You Put Oil in A Hot Engine\/Car? What Happens?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1284"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8082,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions\/8082"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.corwheels.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}