We’ve had some clients return for their 4000 or 6000 mile Minor Interval Service with little or no oil registering on their dipsticks. You may be able to put off doing some other basic maintenance, but nothing causes catastrophic engine damage like running a vehicle out of oil. We want to make sure you avoid this needless expense and hassle.
All vehicles consume some oil. New vehicles lose less, but as your vehicle ages, things can change. It is not unusual for a vehicle with around 80,000 miles to consume as much as 1 quart every 1,000 miles of operation. Oil consumption cause by this engine wear is not necessarily a repairable situation, so increasing oil viscosity and keeping on top of oil level is often your best option.
Vehicles will use less oil at the beginning of their 4000-mile Minor Interval when the oil is clean and the additives are strong than it will toward the end of the interval. Fresh oil is more viscous and slippery; it provides maximum protection and is more resistant to slipping past rings and valve guides. The high temperatures, combustion by-products, and fuel contamination, thin and break down the oil, making it lubricate less and burn more easily. Once oil starts to break down it breaks down more and more quickly. A typical engine may not use much oil in the first 1000 miles of its interval, but may lose a quart or two in the 2000-3000 mile portion, and then be critically low by the 4000 mile mark.
Synthetic oil’s lubrication and additive packages do hold up better than conventional oils and are capable of extended use with proper oversight, but the oil filter is not. Oil filters should be replaced at least every 6,000 miles. In addition synthetic oil is no cure for consumption problems and the extended interval recommendations can make it more likely your engine may run out of oil. With car makers extending their recommended oil change intervals to ridiculous intervals and with the added confusion over oil life ratings there is a dangerous, confusing message being sent to owners. We recommend 4,000-mile service intervals for conventional oil and 6,000-mile intervals for synthetics, with regular oil level verifications between services. For more detailed vehicle specific recommendations please ask one of our Service Advisors what is best for your vehicle.
It’s up to you to make sure your vehicle has enough oil between services! You don’t have to be obsessive, but checking every 1500 miles or so is a good policy. We’re happy to check your oil level anytime; just stop by and let us make sure you’re good to go. It’s an easy check for us to make for you.
If you would like to learn how to check your own oil we are happy to teach you as well, just ask us!
Here’s the basic do-it-yourself instructions, or you can watch a video on it here.
- Park car on a flat, level surface to obtain the most accurate engine oil reading.
- Turn the engine off, and let car sit for a few minutes. This lets the oil to drain from the engine into the oil pan so the oil dipstick can get the proper reading.
- Open the hood. Locate your engine oil dipstick, which is normally located on the side of the engine block, and pull it completely out. In newer vehicles it normally has a yellow handle; in older vehicles you might just see a black loop.
- Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe the dipstick completely clean. Reinsert the dipstick completely into the engine.
- Pull the dipstick out once more and check the reading at the bottom tip of the stick. The oil will cling to the dipstick, and will probably fall somewhere between the “full” and “add” lines.
If you need to add oil, that’s easy too…
- Unscrew the cap on the engine’s valve cover.
- Use a funnel to pour in about half a bottle of oil and then check the level. Repeat until the oil is just short of the “fill” mark so you don’t overfill it.
- Keep track of how much you’re adding so you can tell us when you come in… excessive oil use could be an indication of serious problems.
- Make sure to properly install and tighten the oil cap and fully insert the dipstick when you’re done! One of the worst things that can happen is to lose your oil cap and keep driving the vehicle. If the engine continues to operate with a lost or loose oil cap, the best thing you can expect is a big mess and the worst is a new engine. Check that cap!
Remember: If you aren’t comfortable checking your own oil, just bring your vehicle by and we’ll be glad to do it for you or show you how to do it yourself!
Staying conscious of your oil level is cheap insurance for you second biggest investment after your house. A few minutes with this simple check can save thousands of dollars and untold inconvenience down the road.
Your Car Matters Special Extra!
You hear about the damage that can happen if you skip oil changes, but how often do you see it? An article from our January 2011 newsletter called “Real Life Automotive Horror Stories- NO OIL CHANGES! (With Pictures)” is one of our most widely-read articles ever. It’s pretty much what the title says, but we’ve updated it with information on why synthetic oil is better for your car. Check it out… you’ll find a picture really is worth a thousand words!
