How do you guys do it?

[default]

Pour in 2 qts or so, start it and run to build pressure, shut down, fill to max line.

 

[HyundaiGuy]

Put in the recommended 4 quarts. This does not bring it all the way to the full line, maybe 1/8 inch below- the same level the car came from the factory with.

 

[Kuato]

Depends on the vehicle and your experience.

On the GC with the 4.0, 6 quarts is just right.

On the Wrangler with 2.4, spec is for 4, but it actually takes 4.5 to get it 3/4 of the way up the crosshatched area.

 

[gregoron]

I measure cold before removing oil. Drain the oil hot and measure how much came out by putting it in an empty oil jug including oil in filter. Then I refill the same amount that went out including what's in the filter. I measure cold again next day and top off if needed.

 

[ledslinger]

Between my wife's 2001 and my daughter's 1999 4 cyl Accords, I've probably done over 40 oil changes. I dump in 4.5 quarts, test run for leaks, and park it. I check again and adjust later if needed, as normal oil checking procedure. That is about weekly and real soon after the change if I gas it at a flat gas station.

 

[Spector]

None of mine are per the manual to get them to the full mark on the dipstick but after a few changes I record how much it takes and add that. for ex: 4 quarts 18 ounces etc. I check a day later after sitting overnight and top off if needed.

On my lincoln the dealer admits the dipstick will be about 1/4 below full mark after adding the recommended amount. In this case it takes 8 ounces to bring it up to full. When dealer does the oil change (my free maint) he refuses to top off saying he cannot add more than recommended amount even though he admits it does not bring it to full.