Is it a bad idea to have the oil level at 2 quarts?

Question

I haven't added any more oil since my last change in June. I'm getting an oil change next week anyway. Am I shooting myself in the foot?

Answer 1

depends. never a good idea to run low on oil, but if you arent in stressjful service can prob get away with it.

Answer 2

The oil should always be between the full and add one quart mark when the car is level and has not moved for at least the time it takes to fill up the tank and pay the bill ... about five minutes. Never add anything to the oil except more oil when it gets low. Also, do not put additives in the gas tank. I change my oil every 5000 miles. If I am over or short by no more than 10%, it is still due at the even 5000 mile mark.

Tom and Ray, the hosts of Car Talk on National Public Radio, recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles, although they admit knowing when to change the oil is not an exact science. “It may be too soon for many people and too late for a few,” they say, “but for the vast majority, 5,000-mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe, old age.”

Answer 3

I don't know what you mean at all by "shooting yourself in the foot".
Usually when you get an oil change for your car the mechanic will tell you that you can bring the car back at any time to have it topped off till your next oil change. It used to be that gas stations who had a guy some out and pump your gas for you would normally check the oil and fill it to the top. But now the car owners get to do that. So check your oil's dip stick from time to time and if it is low then add some. Usually you don't have to add any if you get your oil changed frequently or as required, but if you see it losing oil then you need to have that checked out as there may be a leak (a leak that may be costly in the future, but at least you'll know to save money ahead of time to get that fixed).. Mechanics will tell you to keep the oil up to the marker line or come in and get it topped off. If you were traveling and you ran out of oil your warning light would go on and if you drive past 3/4 of a mile your car would bellow with smoke, might even spill the final oil on other parts of the car (like on belts and then you'd need to have it pressure washed and fixed).

Answer 4

An engine is designed to run with the oil level in the right area of the dip stick. You may only have 4 qts of oil in your engine. To be 2 qts low means you may not be getting enough lubrication OR cooling of the internal components.

If you want your engine to last to a mature life, NEVER let the level fall to less than 1 qt. low. On the other hand, NEVER over fill the engine as this will cause the oil to be blown out and could damage the engine. Good luck. Pops

Answer 5

Go buy a 2.00 quart of oil, and chances are if you had it changed at jiffy lube or something, then they will fill you for free in between oil changes. The average car holds between 4-5 quarts. You know what you need to do...so do it. You will seize the motor if it runs out of oil.

Answer 6

buy some cheap oil & put it in the motor until U get it changed. It is better to add a little oil than to drive it on low . Remember: It is better to run it on cheap oil for a while rather than to run it on low oil at any time. Why risk it? Good luck. Charles

Answer 7

Dont wait, change the oil now or add the 2 quarts to fill it and wait to change your oil in a few extra weeks. Oil is the lifeline for the engine.
good luck........

Answer 8

Let me be brief and simple: If you are running your engine with less oil than it is intended to have, you are taking a serious risk of completely destroying your engine. What costs less; a few quarts of oil, or a new engine?

Answer 9

Cars- trucks etc usually need at least 4 + qts. I would put some in until the oil change.

Answer 10

Yes you are. Oil is the life blood of the vehicle and when it gets low you can have failures in lubrication and heat disapation. Add the oil.