Final answer:
Add a small, measured amount of motor oil when levels are low, and recheck with the dipstick to avoid overfilling. Motor oil viscosity changes with temperature, affecting how it flows through the engine.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking your car's engine and discovering that the oil is low, you should add a small, measured amount of motor oil. This amount will vary depending on how low the oil is, so it's essential to use the dipstick to check the oil level after adding a bit at a time. Two crucial aspects to consider when dealing with motor oil are its viscosity and temperature. Specifically, motor oil has greater viscosity when cold, requiring higher pressure to circulate it through the engine. As the engine warms up, the oil becomes thinner, decreasing in viscosity, and flows more easily. Always use the appropriate grade of oil for your engine, as indicated in your vehicle's owner manual, and refill carefully to avoid overfilling, which can harm the engine.