When does everyone add top-off oil?

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
Usually, when it reaches the add mark. In a vehicle known to use oil, I might top off just before a trip. Most of the engines I've owned in the past that use oil, will use the first half quart much faster than the second.


I found just the opposite, as the oil got older it seemed to use it just slightly more. I might use 1/2 qt oil in say 1700, and the second half qt in 1500.


Frank D

 

[Steve S]

When it is necessary. The add line.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Tucson Five-O
FZ1

A little more elaboration on my desire to use the OLM system to its fullest capabilities. I've read that GM calibrated its OLM system to have 1/2 the ZDDP left when the OLM reaches 0% using GF-4 Mobil Drive Clean (aka Mr. Goodwrench oil).

I would hope that Havoline, PennzoilYB and Mobil 5000 all are equal or better than this standard reference oil, not even considering PP. I mean if the warranty wasn't an issue, I would compare Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 vs. Amsoil Signature Series 5w30 at longer OCI's by resetting the system at 0% and carrying the test further. But since I do care about maintaining the warranty I don't think SSO is cost-effective over the PP at the expected 7-8K mile OCI that I think the OLM is going to give me.

I have to admit, as a BITOG'er, I like the idea of the OLM. It's just one more excuse for me to tinker with something!

Thanks,
Gary
Study up the used oil analysis posted . I don't remember the zinc dropping 50% at any mileage.

 

[Geonerd]

I need to add about 2/3 qt at ~3800 miles, when the level gets close to the add mark. ~3800 miles later, I change it. Not bad for a 92 accord with 190K.

 

[ThirdeYe]

top-off oil? what's that?

 

[Curley]

I usually save the best of my used oil for bar and chain lubricant. 10W30 synthetic. If I need to top off for a trip right before I had planned to change oil, I have put in the oil I saved for the chain saw. Seldom change oil longer than 6,500 miles or nine months so I doubt it gets worn out. Curley

 

[Gary Allan]

Originally Posted By: ThirdeYe
top-off oil? what's that?

Yeah, this is something new for me. Is it serious?

 

[ARB1977]

For me i consider myself lucky, i dont need to add any oil between changes. I still check it though every couple of weeks.

 

[Spector]

After a while you get to know the consumption of each vehicle. My GM 3.8L V6 Sc with 7500 OCi uses 1 oz in 250 miles and closer to 1 0z in 200 miles at 70mph. That equates to around a quart every 6500-7000 miles.

I add when it needs 2-4 ounces to keep it topped off and go by the mileage passed and dipstick to decide how much to add as the usage is very consistent. Basically on all my vehicles I add to keep it at the full mark and check it weekly.

Trying different oils will be tough to gauge consumption as different brands do affect usage and IMO why bother. Pick a good oil and just stick with it. We place way to much value and spend too much time trying to find that perfect oil

 

[Saab9000]

Luckily, my Saab 9000 with 175k miles has never used a quart since I bought it used. I do overfill by almost a quart. With the motor mounted sideways, theres a good chance the engine will be starved of oil in a long, hard turn, when all the oil goes to one end of the oil pan, so I keep the level up to minimize this.

 

[DragRace]

Never have to,always remains full til I need to change it

 

[dan3952]

I never add until it's below the lower dot on the dipstick, I've run the car with less than a liter of oil in it before. Some obsess about this like it's the end of their engine if the level isn't between the two dots

 

[oilboy123]

I try to add when it gets to 1/2 qt low. Unless it's real close to change out time.

 

[FZ1]

Easy for you to say;You live in Alberta!!!

 

[The Critic]

I top off when it's 1/4 quart low.