Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly with Regular Oil Top-Ups
Generally, it's recommended that you check and top up your engine oil at least every three months or 3,000 miles. This will ensure that your engine is properly lubricated and running efficiently.
Less frequent oil changes on newer engines make it essential that you check the oil level monthly and top it up as needed. While many engines will use less than a quart of oil between changes, others can consume as much as a quart every 600 to 700 miles.
If the top of the oil streak is between the min and max marks, the level is fine. If the level is below halfway between the marks, then we would recommend adding some oil. If it's close to or even below the minimum mark, then you definitely need to add some oil.
A: The dealer and manufacturer are correct that adding some oil between oil changes in a modern engine is normal, especially considering the oil is very thin — 5w-20 weight oil — and the longer 6,000-mile oil change interval.
The dipstick should have two lines and the oil mark should ideally sit between these. If it sits below the lowest line, then you need to top up straight away!
Oil changes: How often do you need them? (Marketplace)
Can I just add oil to my car?
It's important to add oil in small amounts, and never add oil past the dipstick's “MAX” level. Too much oil in your engine can be just as bad as too little. Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick and oil fill cap. Make sure both are fully secured in place, then close the hood.
Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now withdraw it and look closely at the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has enough oil. If it's at the low mark or below, it's time to add a quart.
The oil level dropping below the minimum dipstick line is one of the most common causes of low oil pressure. This can happen at any time, even if you've recently had an oil change. Over time, engines burn oil more quickly. This is due to piston rings wearing, seals leaking, and so on.
However, many modern cars now suffer internal oil loss from day one, partly due to the tight tolerances inside the engine while it's under load. Depending on the make and model, “normal” oil loss between changes can be as much as one quart of oil every 700 miles.
One of the most common reasons why cars consume oil is due to normal engine wear and tear. Engine components wear down over time. This wear can lead to small gaps between the parts, allowing oil to seep through and burn off.
Other common causes of excessive oil consumption are: contamination in the combustion chamber, a seized piston ring, or polishing of the piston wall, which reduces the sealing effect. Other – more common – causes are use of the wrong oil, oil of the wrong quality or too much oil in the crankcase.
The expiry date of your engine oil is a clear way to identify how long it will last. Most conventional oil brands will have a shelf life of about 5 years. Synthetic oil and synthetic blend oil will last about 7-8 years, and maybe even longer.
With the engine off, add one quart of oil. Let the vehicle sit for a minute then check the level again. If it is still low, then add 1/2 quart of oil and recheck the level again until the dipstick indicates it is full. Make sure to wipe the dipstick off each time before inserting it to check levels.
Oil degrades over time. The longer it sits, the less viscous it becomes and thus, the less effective it will be at keeping various engine components properly lubricated.
If your engine is low on oil but there isn't a leak, that means it's probably being burned inside the engine. A bad PCV valve is a frequent culprit in the case of burning oil--but what is it, exactly? A PCV valve is designed to let air escape when the pressure in the crankcase is too high.
Burning oil is often the result of worn-out parts. For example, worn valve seals and/or piston rings could lead to your car burning oil. Both valve seals and piston rings work to keep engine oil out of the combustion chamber.
Your engine may leak oil due to a poorly installed or damaged oil filter, a cracked engine oil pan that struck a curb or a rock, or degraded seals allowing oil to seep out, such as the rear main seal or the valve cover gasket.
If your oil light comes on, you should try to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Note, though, that driving around a bit more won't destroy anything. Generally speaking, you have about 2 weeks or 500 miles of driving before a flashing oil light turns into a legitimate problem.
Driving with too low of an oil level can saddle you with serious problems. Your car engine will continue to run even if it has very little oil in it. However, eventually, the oil will run out and your engine will start to function less efficiently. The moving parts will no longer have a fluid barrier between them.
Motor oil should be tan, amber, or caramel-hued in color. This is usually the color it is when it comes out of the bottle, so if you see this hue and you also notice that the oil level is between the two tic marks on the dipstick, you're in good shape.
Engine Clunking: When the metal parts in your engine aren't properly lubricated, they'll cause more noise when you're driving. You'll hear some grinding noises, but you'll hear a lot of clunking. If you hear this sound, check your oil level and schedule service if the oil level is low.
It is a fact that most engines will burn some oil. The majority of manufacturers consider one quart of oil in the range of 1,500 miles to be acceptable.
For most cars, it is highly recommended for you to change the oil every 7,500 miles or so. If your car is newer you might be able to go longer before changing your oil. In essence, your average car burns about a quart of oil, give or take, every 3000 miles.
If the oil level is a little above the full mark, that shouldn't cause problems. If it's overfilled by half a quart or more, or foam shows on the dipstick, the best fix is to have the oil drained and refilled to the proper level.