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Jacob Ireland is a mobile mechanic in New Jersey with a growing social media following. He often posts clips of his jobs around town: Diagnosing a “no-start” condition, servicing a local commercial fleet, drivetrain repair, etc. It’s hard work in South Jersey – especially since he and his apprentice work outside fixing cars, even in winter. Ireland just shared a helpful tip for any motorists suddenly needing to top off their oil in a pinch, and don’t have a funnel on hand.

In case you find yourself needing to add oil to your engine but lack a funnel, here’s a helpful tip:

Just use the dipstick. Here’s how: Pull the dipstick out from its tube. Take the oil cap off. Position the end of the dipstick in the oil fill opening. Make sure the dipstick is vertical, with the tip end in the engine block.

Next, grab your fresh quart of oil and tilt the bottle so that it coats the dipstick completely as you lower it into the engine block.

"It'll flow directly into your engine," Ireland clarifies, "No need for a funnel."

Isn't that impressive? It got me thinking about how I can add coolant without using a funnel, since it was quite a mess the last time I attempted it. You might be curious about which vehicle I'm referring to—it's none other than my Land Rover!

When adding oil to your engine, remember to consider its total oil capacity. If you're slightly low, begin by adding half a quart; however, a low reading typically indicates you may need at least a quart. It's always a good idea to check the level again and add more if necessary. Taking your time to do it right is safer than risking an overfill.