Can You Put Oil in a Hot Car Engine?

The Short Answer

No, you should not put oil in a hot car engine.

The Long Answer

When your car engine is hot, the oil is thin and runny. This is because the heat causes the oil to break down and lose its viscosity. If you add oil to a hot engine, the oil will not be able to properly lubricate the moving parts, which can lead to serious damage.

In addition, adding oil to a hot engine can cause the oil to foam. This foam can then clog the oil passages and restrict the flow of oil to the moving parts. This can also lead to serious damage.

So, if you need to add oil to your car, be sure to wait until the engine has cooled down. This will give the oil time to thicken up and become more viscous, which will help to prevent damage to your engine.

What Happens if You Put Oil in a Hot Car Engine?

If you put oil in a hot car engine, the following things can happen:

• The oil will be thin and runny, which will prevent it from properly lubricating the moving parts.
• The oil can foam, which can clog the oil passages and restrict the flow of oil to the moving parts.
• The oil can cause the engine to overheat.
• The oil can damage the engine.

How to Add Oil to a Hot Car Engine

If you need to add oil to a hot car engine, follow these steps:

1. Pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.
2. Wait for the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes.
3. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level.
5. If the oil level is low, add oil in small increments until the oil level reaches the full mark on the dipstick.
6. Replace the dipstick and close the hood.

Conclusion

Adding oil to a hot car engine is not a good idea. It can lead to serious damage to your engine. If you need to add oil to your car, be sure to wait until the engine has cooled down. This will help to prevent damage to your engine and keep it running smoothly.