How Much Oil Does Your Car Need?

Motor oil is essential for a properly-functioning vehicle. It keeps the moving parts of your engine lubricated, helping avoid damage caused by these parts rubbing against each other. Oil also prevents your engine from overheating, ensuring you and your car stay safe while on the road.

So, how much oil does your Ford Fusion in Costa Mesa need? Most vehicles have the capacity for around five quarts of motor oil, though vehicles that have smaller engines (around four cylinders) may only need around four quarts. If you are driving around a larger diesel engine, such as the one present in heavier pickup trucks, you can expect to need anywhere from six to eight quarts of oil.

If you’re unsure of how much oil your specific vehicle needs, one of the best places to check is the owner’s manual. You can also check your dipstick to determine how much more (or less) oil your engine needs. There are indicators on your dipstick that will tell you what your minimum and maximum oil levels are.

Low Oil Levels

What happens if your vehicle doesn’t have enough oil? For a brief period of time, no major damage will occur if you are low on oil. Many vehicles are able to function normally if they’re about a quart low on their required levels.

If your oil levels are too low, upper-end components like the timing chain and valves won’t receive the proper lubrication they need after the car has started up. When oil levels are normal, this should only take about a second or two. You might notice a decreased performance in your vehicle, such as sluggishness while driving.

Over time, cars with low oil levels are at risk for pricey damage. You are also at an increased risk for overheating, since engines can reach temperatures that surpass 200 degrees during normal operation.

High Oil Levels

Conversely, there is such a thing as an engine that has too much motor oil. When there’s too much fluid present in the crankcase, the oil pump and crankshaft can turn it into a froth. These components operate extremely quickly, which can agitate the present oil and cause it to bubble.

This frothy, bubbly motor oil won’t be able to do as sufficient of a job at lubricating your engine’s bearings and cylinder walls. This puts your engine parts at risk for wear, which can result in pricey repairs down the road if not corrected.

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