Should I have to add oil if I'm getting oil changes every 3000 miles?? my light comes on and/or it's low

Question

my light comes on and/or it's low at about 700 miles left of the 3000.
i have a 2001 2 door golf w/ a 2.0 4 cylinder engine. thanks!
by the way, no leaks -- i checked..

Answer 1

You had better add oil to bring it up to the full mark or risk serious engine damage. That oil has to be going somewhere. If you are not leaking it you have to be burning it.

Answer 2

Just because an owner/operator changes oil and filter every 3000 miles does not mean the engine will not use 1/2 a quart in 1500 miles which is normal use. There are other points the oil can be existing as well due to faulty gaskets, or loose bolts such as the valve pan cover[s]. Best way to to know just how often the engine requires motor oil added is check the oil before you fire the engine.Preferably sitting in a flat and level parking area.

Answer 3

Check with your local auto parts store for an additive that may help the problem and add it to your oil. It sounds like an internal leak and you are burning oil, you can tell if the exhaust is darker in color and has a "diesel" odor. Also there will probably be some dark soot coating the end our your exhaust pipe. You probably need a valve gasket replaced. If you are going to keep your car for awhile you may want to save up and get it done because the oil will foul your plugs and create other engine problems over time.

Answer 4

1) No, you shouldn't have to add oil.

2) If there are no leaks, it's burning the oil.

3) If you still pass emissions, don't worry about it. Just add the oil. Be nice to your engine and add the oil BEFORE the low light comes on.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Your car may actually be "burning" the oil between oil changes. This is common in cars with higher mileage. Additionally, some cars now have oil life monitors that may be turning your light on because your oil life has degraded to a point that the car manufacturer has set to turn on the light.

It may be less expensive to continue to add oil before your oil changes rather than have your engine rebuilt (if you ever get that recommendation).

Answer 6

If you are using cheaper engine oil and driving in town or stop and go driving the oil will break down faster then highway driving and if this is the case that is normal for your engine to use that amount of oil.The 3000 mile oil change is generally for highway miles not in town driving.I change my oil every 2000 miles or 3 months.

Answer 7

I have not heard of any problems related to this. Normally you shouldn't have to add oil to these. Since you state it isn't leaking externally, you may be burning some of the oil or maybe not enough was added to begin with. Good luck.

Answer 8

Add oil until it's full to aviod engine damage. Then take it to a mechanic, because if you're oil is low, it's either burning it or you have a leak somewhere, maybe it's one you can't see.

Answer 9

is it "and" its low? Youre losing oil, a leak burning it internally. Light comes on and its not low? sensor problem.

Answer 10

If your oil is low then yes, you should add some. Kind of a no-brainer really.

Should you have to between oil changes? Well yes, if your engine uses/loses oil between changes.