Adding Engine Oil: A Comprehensive Guide

18 September 2023

If a vehicle has been serviced with a different lubricant brand, you might wonder if it's acceptable to add engine oil from another brand. Do you have to stick with the same brand, or can you use an equivalent from a different manufacturer? The answer lies in understanding the specifications.

The Key Is in the Specifications

When it comes to adding engine oil, the brand is not the primary concern. What truly matters are the specifications. You can use any engine oil as long as it meets the right specifications, preferably with the official approval of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). The specifications and viscosity mentioned in your car's manual serve as your reference for selecting the correct oil.

Switching to Wolf Engine Oil

Now, can you add Wolf engine oil, even if your last oil change was done with a different brand? Absolutely. All Wolf lubricants adhere to the correct formula, including base oils and additives prescribed by the additive supplier to meet the necessary specifications. Whether it's for a top-up or a complete oil change, Wolf products can seamlessly replace other brands. In some cases, our products might even offer superior quality due to our use of first-quality base oils.

How to Add Engine Oil

Before topping up your engine oil, it's essential to check the oil level of your car. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Switch off the engine

Locate and clean the dipstick

Check the oil level

Top up with the right oil

Why Regularly Adding Engine Oil Matters

Engine oil is to an engine what blood is to the human body: absolutely vital. It acts as a cushion between moving parts, preventing engine components from wearing down due to friction. Modern engines typically consume around 1 liter of oil every 5,000 kilometers. Therefore, it's crucial to check and top up oil levels between services, which can extend up to 30,000 kilometers nowadays.

Make it a habit to check the oil level every month, especially before embarking on long journeys. It's also wise to keep a spare liter of the right top-up oil in your car at all times. If the dashboard warning light indicates low oil levels, topping up becomes a matter of utmost importance to avoid costly engine damage.

Other Fluids Need Topping Up

Engine oil isn't the only fluid that requires topping up. Brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, Adblue, and windscreen washer fluid all need regular attention. Most modern cars have dashboard indicator lights that signal when it's time to top up or replace these fluids. While your garage can handle topping up or changing most of these fluids, it's a good practice to stay informed about their condition.

In Summary:

Focus on specifications and approvals, not the brand, when choosing engine oil.
Wolf engine oil can replace other brands, provided it meets the specifications and approvals.
Follow the steps to add engine oil correctly.
Regularly adding engine oil is crucial for engine health.
Keep a spare liter of top-up oil in your car.
Other fluids like brake fluid and coolant also require topping up.