Gentlemen, After checking the engine oil level (while engine is hot), the level was halfway between min and max on the dipstick. I have 2 questions: 1- Do you top the oil up closer to the "max" level in this case? Or do you just leave it alone until the next oil change? 2- When checking the oil level, do you screw in the cap all the way until it tightens then unscew it to read the oil level (this is how I read my oil level and it was halfway between min and max), or, do you just dip the stick in and out and read the level? Thanks.
If you are planning a really long trip, or not intending checking the level again for a while top it up. Otherwise just carry on and check it regularly as usual. I understand that, as with the gearbox dip plug, the cap should be screwed in first - I would rather be under the max level by a half inch than over it by a half.
I would say always at the top (the max mark). I use Mobil 1 0w40. I can't say that I have to fill up, hardly any use of oil! Not detectable. Mobil 1, the best...
1) Well it depends on how close you are to your next oil change. If you are really close then I would just leave it. But if it will be longer to your next oil change then yeah top it up. 2) Yes I screw it all the way in.
Thanks Ernie, It will be a while before the next oil change (April 2007). I drove the car today for about an hour, then checked the level again when I got home. After screwing the cap all the way down, the level was only half to 3/4 of an inch below "max", and the oil looks brand new. In this case, I should just leave it alone for now... right? Thanks.
I've read somewhere (I don't remember where but I'm sure it's an official pubblication such as Workshop manual..) that you have to put the oil at the half between the half and the max.
