What should be the oil level in the engine and why

The resource of an internal combustion engine directly depends not only on the quality of the oil and timely replacement, but also on its level. Some modern models use an automatic lubrication control system, but most motors use a standard dipstick. And the most interesting thing is that many drivers do not know how to carry out this simple procedure and what rules should be followed.

How to check the oil level correctly

Some experts say that this should be done on a cold engine. Others are sure that the unit must be hot. In fact, both options are acceptable if certain rules are followed. You need to find a flat area so that the car does not stand at an angle. Ideally, control the oil in one place.

Deal with the features of the probe. It has marks for maximum and minimum levels. Sometimes the area between them is shaded or there are divisions. There is not much difference, the main thing is to understand what indicator is considered normal.

If the check is made on a cold engine, this should be done before starting. Carefully remove the dipstick, wipe the working part and insert it back. Wait 5 seconds, get and check the level, it will be clear and clearly visible. Cold liquid decreases in volume, the oil is below the middle. But it should not be at the bottom line.





To carry out measurements on a hot engine after a trip, leave the car for 10-15 minutes. This is necessary so that the oil flows from all channels into the pan and cools down. The technology is about the same as described above - remove the dipstick, wipe it, insert it back and check the level. It should be above the middle.



It should be checked every 1000 kilometers or once a month if the car travels less during this period. You can do this more often, especially if the engine sound has changed or there are malfunctions of the power unit.

Consequences of driving low

Theoretically, if the oil reaches the bottom line, nothing bad will happen. Although in this case, there may be a problem with the lubrication of some nodes. Efficiency is also reduced due to a decrease in pressure in the system. If the oil deficiency is significant and its level is somewhere beyond the lower mark, the consequences can be unpredictable.

Much depends on the design of the engine, but usually the problems are of the same type, it is worth considering them in order to understand why this aspect needs to be monitored. Under normal conditions, the crankshaft literally “baths” in grease, which ensures its easy rotation. When there is not enough oil, the moving elements wear out faster, and in the most negative scenario, the liners rotate.



The piston group also requires high-quality lubrication. The oil covers the cylinder walls, the excess is removed by rings. If it is not enough, the surface begins to scratch.

All pressure lubricated units are oil deficient. The result is increased wear and tear. Chips may even form, clogging small cavities.

Do not forget that the lubrication system not only reduces friction, but also cools many components inside the engine. And any violations provoke an increase in temperature and overheating. And here it is difficult to predict the consequences, they can be different.

Exceeding the level - what is dangerous?

There are people who fill oil at the top level and are firmly convinced that this is normal and good for the engine. Actually, it's harmful. There are no such fatal consequences as with a lack of lubrication, but problems can also be serious.

The engine power drops noticeably. A lot of oil - increased resistance to all moving mechanisms. It will fall into the cylinders, burn out, which can be detected by a plume of blue smoke.

Excess results in bubbling as the crankshaft churns the oil. It begins to foam, the gas content exceeds 7%, which leads to the knocking of hydraulic tensioners, hydraulic bearings, pushers.



Since there is an excess of oil, it will burn more than it should. Consumption will increase, which on the one hand is even good. But it may happen that the zhor does not stop even at a normal level on the dipstick.

When oil enters the intake, it can cause a lot of trouble - consumption will increase, dynamics will worsen, sensors begin to work incorrectly due to dirt. Something more serious can happen - from the failure of the catalyst to the breakdown of the turbine or compressor due to the layer of deposits that forms inside the mechanism rotating at high speed.

In older engines, seals can be squeezed out due to pressure. And these are strong leaks and the need to remove the box or other components. From experience I can say that it is impossible to predict the course of events. But it's definitely not worth driving with overflow.

What to do when a problem is found

If the level is found to be low or high during the test, immediate action must be taken. The nature of the work is different, each situation should be considered separately. If there is not enough oil, first of all you need to figure out why this happened. Oil seals or connections may leak, which turns out when inspecting the engine, it is better to do this from the pit. When the rings on the pistons are worn, the oil will burn out, this is detected by bluish smoke.



Of course, the matter may be in the banal inattention of the driver, when he did not check the level for a long time. In many modern cars, oil consumption from 100 ml to a liter per thousand kilometers is considered the norm. Turbocharged VAG and BMW engines are especially famous for this.

As for topping up, it is important not to overdo it. It all depends on the situation. If it is dry to the end of the dipstick, you can safely fill in a liter. When it is 5-10 mm below the minimum, it is better to add 500 ml, and then see how much more you have to add. Do not forget that the oil does not drain into the pan immediately, you should wait 3-5 minutes before measuring.

When adjusting the level, it is better to pour 100-150 ml, so as not to overdo it. Some drivers say that exactly a liter fits from the top to the bottom mark. But this is not so, in different models the indicator may differ, so it is better not to risk it.



Overflow is more difficult. It’s better to start with the fact that after removing the probe, you need to smell it. If fuel gets into the oil (through a worn piston, fuel pump, if it is on the engine, etc.), the smell will immediately indicate a problem. The second option is antifreeze, in which case the lubrication level rises, and the coolant decreases. Steam will come out of the exhaust, a white coating will form under the filler plug. In both situations, you need to understand the problem and fix it.

If there is too much oil due to overflow (even at replacement centers such situations occur periodically), the excess should be removed. When there is a pit or overpass, you need to unscrew the plug for a short time. When there is no access to the pallet, it is easier to buy a syringe (pharmacies sell options for 50 and even 100 ml) and a dropper. Put on the tube and lower it through the dipstick tunnel. Carefully pump out the composition, controlling the volume. It's an easy process.

It is worth noting that drivers who prefer an aggressive driving style have more oil consumption due to increased engine loads, in which case a low level is even more dangerous. Once every 1-2 weeks, checking the oil is easy. And this simple operation often saves the motor.