What Happens if You Overfilled Engine Oil in a Car?

It can be all too easy to overfill a thirsty engine with oil. If left unresolved, you put your vehicle at risk and can cause possible damage..

But with the right expert care and advice, an engine can be drained of excess oil. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about engine oil, from how to change it to what colour it should be, guiding you through the process.

How to check engine oil

It’s a common scenario: The oil light comes on but the car seems to be going fine so you keep driving.. But the longer you do, the worse it can get...

Checking your car’s oil levels can be done in just a few minutes, and it’s an easy way to make sure your engine keeps running smoothly in the long term.

To check engine oil:

1. After a drive, park on a flat surface. Wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool down.

2. Grab an old rag and pop open the bonnet. Look for the small handle leading down into the engine block (usually yellow with ‘oil’ written on it or an oil symbol).

3. Pull the dipstick all the way out and clean it off with your rag. Then slide it all the way back in.

4. Pull the dipstick out again for an accurate reading of your oil levels— The level should be sitting between the two markers, if it’s on the lower end you should give it a top up.

Should you check engine oil hot or cold? A good time to check oil after a drive, then wait when the engine has cooled.

How to change engine oil in a car

Engine oil helps keep the moving parts of your engine well lubricated. By having it changed at the recommended intervals, you maintain the life of your engine and and prevent components from wear.

To change engine oil yourself:

1. Before you start, always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s instructions. This will outline what you need, usually specific tools, an oil pan, a jack and jack stands, as well as the new oil and filter.

2. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil so it will flow more easily.

3. Lift the car onto jack stands or up on a hoist for access.

4. Most cars will have a cover to be removed, check your owner’s manual to find out how to take it off.

5. Locate and loosen the sump plug, but don’t remove yet.

6. Bring the oil pan closer to the sump plug to catch the oil and avoid leaving stains in your driveway or garage.

7. Remove the sump plug and drain the oil from the engine into the pan. Allow it to drain for at least 5-10 minutes to ensure all the old oil is removed. Inspect the sump plug area to make sure that oil flow has stopped before putting the sump plug back.

8. Once oil is completely drained, clean the area. Put the sump plug back on tight as well as any sockets.

9. Carefully remove the old oil filter, this may require tools, and have the drain pan underneath to catch any spillage. Clean the surface with a rag and make sure that nothing is stuck on the mounting surface.

10. Prepare the new oil filter by removing the plastic covering. Check for obstructions and clean the area, then fit the new filter.

11. Pour the new oil into the oil tank using a clean funnel. The recommended volume will be based on the manufacturer’s specifications, so check your owner’s manual. Once filled, securely replace the oil cap.

12. Check for any engine lights or leaks by starting the engine. If your engine oil dash light appears within 20 seconds, turn the car off. If not, run the car for another 5-10 seconds before turning the engine off. Check under the car for any leaks.

13. Lower the car back onto the ground. Pull the dipstick out and clean it, then pop it back in the hole and pull it back out again to check if the oil tank is at the right level.

Doing it yourself not for everybody, so if you need a hand, call your nearest mycar store or book online for a full assessment.

How much engine oil does a car need?

When it comes down to it, engine oil capacity will depend on the car itself, so depending on your car’s make, model year, and type, it’ll differ.

Check your owner’s manual or chat to mycar if you need a hand.

Does engine oil go off?

Engine oil can go off, with most bottles coming with an expiration date.

When unopened and stored in a cool, dry place. Oil in an open bottle can last for roughly a year if stored correctly.The type of oil will also play a part in how long it lasts. Knowing how often to change engine oil can help keep it in good nick.

Low engine oil symptoms

As everyone knows, the first sign of low engine oil often comes in the form of the engine oil light on the dashboard, or a low indication on your dipstick when you check it.

If left for too long, this can cause:

If you see your engine oil light come on, give your engine oil a top-up or visit your nearest mycar workshop for a full inspection of your vehicle.

What should the engine oil colour be?

Engine oil should be amber or caramel-coloured when it’s new, and will become darker the more you drive. Dark brown or black oil can be normal, especially in diesel engines, as long as you ensure you are having your oil changed at regular intervals.

Black, gluggy and gritty engine oil can mean that oil is dirty or old, and should be changed. If your engine oil looks milky or creamy-coloured, this may indicate issues with moisture or even a head gasket problem, so make sure to take it straight to the nearest mycar mechanic.

Overfilling engine oil - what happens?

Overfilling your engine with oil can cause a range of damage to various engine components and cause leaks, it can also result in foaming or smoke as well as a variety of other problems. If you overfill your engine oil, make sure you have the excess drained by a mechanic straight away.

I think I’ve poured in too much engine oil - what do I do?

Check your oil level with your dipstick to see if it is over the indicator. It can be dangerous to drive a car that’s overfilled with engine oil, so why not let us come to you?

Book an appointment with mycar’s mobile car service and we’ll send one of our expert technicians to your location to drain your car of excess oil, offering quality car repair at an affordable price.

How to fix engine oil leak

Oil level going down quicker than it should? Or spot a dark puddle in the middle of your driveway? You might have oil leaking from the engine!

Like most things in life, it’s best to have expert help on hand with oil leaks and other repairs for your convenience and peace of mind.

If you don’t know your way around cars, head to your nearest mycar store and have one of our mechanics inspect the leak for you.

Why not avoid all the mess and stress by calling the experts at mycar, where we’ll perform a thorough examination of your vehicle before giving your engine oil a refresh. Not only can it be done quickly, but you have the option of paying at your own pace using AfterPay or Zip Pay.

Need help with an oil change? Call mycar on 13 13 28 or book online for fast and friendly service!