Spare me I'm mechanically illiterate, but..., How? Options

[Hym3n]

My brother drives his 03 Civic Si pretty hard and called me up tonight to say that he checked his oil level and said that it was just barely below the L-line, asking if I could help him. Being the dumbass that I am, I have no idea.

Do you just unscrew the cap on the top of the engine and begin to fill it up? I'd imagine you dump a pint into it, run the car for a few minutes, check the oil level, and proceed as necessary? What type of safety precautions should I take? Should I add oil while the car is running or off?

Thanks,
Brian

[Mynzeyes]

make sure the car is off...otherwise it'll spray all over you...and yes, just take the oil fill cap off, pour in about 1/2 quart or so, depending on how far under the fill line it is. then, put the cap back on, start the car, let it run...

take the dip stick out, wipe it off w/ a rag, stick it back in all the way, then pull it back out, and see where the line is. .

-John-