Should I top up oil?
#17
#18
Thread Starter
#19
Captain Obvious
Super User
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#20
Thread Starter
I have noticed that when I fire up the engine the oil indicator is 1-2 bars from being fully filled. After a little drive, it comes down to around the half way mark and after a little longer drive it shows as being 100% full.
I gather this is due to the oil temp etc, so back to my initial question, at what state of the car should I check if oil should be topped up or not? When cold, after a few min drive or after a longer drive?
I gather this is due to the oil temp etc, so back to my initial question, at what state of the car should I check if oil should be topped up or not? When cold, after a few min drive or after a longer drive?
#21
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Per the Owners Manual:
"Vehicle is Level
Engine is switched off and at operating temperature
Let engine oil flow into the oil pan for a few minutes after the engine has stopped running"
I usually wait about 4-5 minutes and check with the dipstick. A quick check on a road trip is right after stopping, getting fuel and then checking oil level.
The oil level must in no case fall below the minimum or exceed the maximum oil level on the dipstick. Always check oil level with the dipstick...never trust completely the electronic oil level gauge! Engines consume oil...I always keep mine topped up to the maximum level on the dipstick, adding oil as necessary between oil changes. 99 C2 124,000 miles, daily driver, no problems.
"Vehicle is Level
Engine is switched off and at operating temperature
Let engine oil flow into the oil pan for a few minutes after the engine has stopped running"
I usually wait about 4-5 minutes and check with the dipstick. A quick check on a road trip is right after stopping, getting fuel and then checking oil level.
The oil level must in no case fall below the minimum or exceed the maximum oil level on the dipstick. Always check oil level with the dipstick...never trust completely the electronic oil level gauge! Engines consume oil...I always keep mine topped up to the maximum level on the dipstick, adding oil as necessary between oil changes. 99 C2 124,000 miles, daily driver, no problems.
#22
I have noticed that when I fire up the engine the oil indicator is 1-2 bars from being fully filled. After a little drive, it comes down to around the half way mark and after a little longer drive it shows as being 100% full.
I gather this is due to the oil temp etc, so back to my initial question, at what state of the car should I check if oil should be topped up or not? When cold, after a few min drive or after a longer drive?
I gather this is due to the oil temp etc, so back to my initial question, at what state of the car should I check if oil should be topped up or not? When cold, after a few min drive or after a longer drive?
#23
Thread Starter
The most consistent way I found (and also many others) is to measure the oil from the dip stick in the morning before you turn on the engine. It's consistent because most oil would have drained back to the sump and the ambient temp does not affect the volume much. The oil level reading will be significantly higher if the oil is really hot e.g., after a hard drive and say 5 minutes after shut off.
1) I can't see where the oil actually is on the dip stick as the oil is very clear golden and the "market" is that orange plastic thing at the end of the dip stick, and
2) Where on the orange marker should the oil reading correctly be?
#25
Place a paper towel in your left hand. Pull out the dipstick with your right hand. Place end of dipstick in paper towel. Fold paper towel over dipstick end and squeeze. Open paper towel remove dipstick. Observe markings. Replace dipstick in engine. Add oil as required. Repeat as required.
#27
The "problem" I have with the dip stick is that
1) I can't see where the oil actually is on the dip stick as the oil is very clear golden and the "market" is that orange plastic thing at the end of the dip stick, and
2) Where on the orange marker should the oil reading correctly be?
1) I can't see where the oil actually is on the dip stick as the oil is very clear golden and the "market" is that orange plastic thing at the end of the dip stick, and
2) Where on the orange marker should the oil reading correctly be?
I keep it at the max mark but anywhere between min and max is fine too. 1.33 quart between min and max. Best is to take out dipstick, wipe it with paper towel, reinsert, remove it again and then read it from an angle. Oil will appear very shinny.
#28
Thread Starter
#29
Thread Starter
Thanks all for your replies... I'll give it another go
#30
That bearing doesnt look that low in the engine to be submerged (I assume while not running). Anyone verified this?