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Topping up your engine oil is one of the easiest and most important vehicle maintenance tasks you can do. But it's important to do it correctly (and safely) to prevent damage to your engine components. But if you've just switched off your car and realised the oil level's low, you might be wondering - can you put oil in a hot engine? We'll answer that and more in this guide.
Yes, it is absolutely fine to add oil to a hot engine. The best temperature to check your oil levels and add engine oil can vary depending on the engine. Some engines should be checked when hot, while others should be checked cold. You can find out which one your engine is by taking a look at the vehicle handbook. However, if you are out and about and the oil light comes on, it’s fine to add oil when the engine is hot, but be careful not to add too much.
You should let your engine cool for 10–15 minutes before adding oil, if you can. This allows the hot oil to settle back into the sump and gives the engine time to reach a safer temperature. The goal isn't to let it go completely cold. In fact, a slightly warm engine helps the oil flow more smoothly and gives you a more accurate dipstick reading.
Yes, you can safely add oil to a cold engine, for example, first thing in the morning or after the vehicle has been parked for several hours. It's worth bearing in mind that a cold engine may give a slightly thicker oil reading on the dipstick, so check carefully and add gradually to avoid overfilling.
Temperature plays a big role in how well engine oil protects and lubricates your engine. Oil reacts differently depending on whether it’s hot or cold, and using the right viscosity for your environment ensures your engine runs smoothly all year round.
In a standard car, generally it's best to use the oil grade recommended in your vehicle's handbook to ensure it suits your engine's needs in both cold starts and high-temperature conditions. If you're not sure what oil is right for your engine, you can also use our engine oil lookup tool - just enter the make and model of your vehicle, or your reg number, and you'll only see motor oils suitable for your engine. If your vehicle is heavily modified, you can use our oil recommendation form, and a member of our team can help.
Don’t risk inaccurate readings or engine damage. Let your engine cool slightly before topping up. Ready to top up safely? Browse our full range of engine oils to find the perfect match for your car. We also have a range of 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oil for motorcycles.