My girlfriend is about to go on a long journey and so I decided to make sure her oil levels etc were ok, the oil was very low and black so I just topped it up with some new oil that I bought is this ok or should I of done an oil change and tried to find out what oil was already in there, it was very very low though almost empty.
2007-03-25 07:38:37 · 13 answers · asked by atticusblack19 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Regular oil and filter change and using a top quality oil will prolong an engines life considerably.
Using cheap oil is a false economy. If your oil was very low and has not been changed for a while (8-10 thousand miles) this was a good opportunity for an engine flush and oil change.
2007-03-25 07:57:06 · answer #1 · answered by Stu pid 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If there was some oil showing on the dip stick say near the low mark, it does not mean the sump is empty, only that it needs topping up to to the max mark. Just because the oil is black it does not neserceley need changing. In some older cars and diesels oil can turn black very soon after an oil change. So no harm can be done to top it up to the max mark with fresh oil.
2007-03-25 07:56:47 · answer #2 · answered by spike 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say that oil level was very very low and almost empty. If the vehicle was run in this condition it might have resulted in some damage. It was worth getting checked by a mechanic.
Secondly as pointed by some one already oil level is very important and not the brand, but what grade oil is it also matters10W20 is not same as 20w40. It is good to check the owner's manual to know the recommended grade and fill with this oil. If the oil is too much smudged or lost viscosity it should be replaced.
2007-03-25 08:05:20 · answer #3 · answered by sankaram 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's always good to make sure your oil level is up to speed. Oil level is VERY important, oil brand and type is not THAT important unless your really fussy. oil changes should be done around 5000 miles or so. some cars can go longer, but if you don't drive the car to the floor you can get away with 7000 miles. if you are really concerned with the life of your engine you can do it more regularly. oil filters are usually changed when you change the oil, and are quite easily installed by hand. good luck
2007-03-25 07:47:31 · answer #4 · answered by JandA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every car is a little different on this, but you need to see what is standard with your car and the oil you used. Also the age of the oil filter and the engine will play a role. This site does a pretty good job of explaining when you should top up and when you should change your oil: http://www.hansmaautomotive.com/how-to-check-engine-oil-in-car.
It is pretty easy to change oil if you have the parts tools, and you can easily find the right filter by searching on a site like Fram (http://www.fram.com/).
2014-03-07 04:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by Russell 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I would have done a complete service especially as your girlfriend is making a long journey. What if it breaks down ??????? If its a diesel the oil goes black a lot quicker than a petrol engine. I suppose you do know the difference
2007-03-25 07:49:49 · answer #6 · answered by Lorna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be fine. Oil goes black quickly cos of the carbon produced in combustion. It's probably due a complete oil and filter change though, so do it when she gets back.
2007-03-25 07:48:18 · answer #7 · answered by kate_souter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oil and filter change with a coupon out of the back of your phone book would be best for the motor and wallet
2007-03-25 07:44:23 · answer #8 · answered by RiverRat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with bad call,best thing to do is tell her to stop at a service station give them $25 and let them change the oil and filter.Better to be safe than sorry!
2007-03-25 07:49:44 · answer #9 · answered by Bird 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely need to change the oil and filter.
2007-03-25 07:46:49 · answer #10 · answered by notaxpert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋