Oil Fill Question

[drburton]

My car has about 4800 miles on it, so 3600 since the initial service. The oil indicator shows half full, it started at the top arrow. The car says it is "OK".

I decided to stop by the dealer to have them top it off. The mechanic seemed concerned about adding oil because he didn't want to overfill (ie didn't seem to trust the electronic gauge). So he only adds half a quart.

I leave and check the oil a few additional times - still half full.

Do I need to add more oil?

[foosh]

No. Wait until the car tells you to add 1L. Many dealers will give you one free to carry with you, but spring for one if they don't.

I am absolutely sure someone here is going to tell you to add a little at a time, but that is completely unnecessary.

[ideliver]

Originally Posted by foosh

No. Wait until the car tells you to add 1L. Many dealers will give you one free to carry with you, but spring for one if they don't.

I am absolutely sure someone here is going to tell you to add a little at a time, but that is completely unnecessary.

+1...read your manual...add 1 L when it tells you to add 1 L...not before

[pmeloche]

The difference between the FULL marker and the LOW marker is exactly one quart. So if it shows HALF then you can add up to half a quart. That's what I did and it took about 50 kms (30 miles) before the electronic gauge came back to FULL.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by pmeloche

The difference between the FULL marker and the LOW marker is exactly one quart. So if it shows HALF then you can add up to half a quart. That's what I did and it took about 50 kms (30 miles) before the electronic gauge came back to FULL.

Yep, just like topping off any other car.

OP, just learn (do a search) how the gauge works so you can get consistent readings. And I'm absolutely sure someone already told you that the above is completely unnecessary . I prefer to always have a full crankcase, but to each his own.

[mwlmd]

+1 My car had the "add 1 qt oil" light come on at 7500mi. Stopped at the dealer and in went the liquid gold. Problem solved. He also said you should wait until it says to add one full qt.