The oil light on my car came on as I turned a corner. I didn't realize until then that I had let it go so long with out a change. I checked the dip stick and there was no oil on it. I plan on taking it to a garage tomorrow. The nearest to me is about 25 miles away. Should I put a quart of oil in before I take it to ensure that I get there with out messing the engine up? Or Can I just wait? If I need to put more oil in, what kind should I put in?
I am totally stupid when it comes to car motors. Please forgive me for sounding so dumb.
2007-05-11 18:36:34 · 14 answers · asked by The PENsive Insomniac 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The light went off after only a second or two.
2007-05-11 18:47:27 · update #1
Wedge thanks for trying to answer first.
2007-05-11 18:59:42 · update #2
Yes you should. The oil light came on because the oil dipped below the pick up and you lost oils pressure. If you put a quart in this should not happen, It will also boost the viscosity of the existing oil and stop the bearings from overheating or scoring. I know it sucks to loose that qt of oil, but I think that you will agree that it is actually cheap insurance when compared to the price of an overhaul. Any 10w-40 oil should do.
2007-05-11 18:42:12 · answer #1 · answered by dcs997 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
definetly put some oil in it to play it safe. Oil only cost a few bucks per quart. What, maybe $2.50? $3 perhaps. Buy a few and keep it around the house. You can always keep one quart in the trunk of your car just in case. Anayways, getting a new engine because the engine seized is about $1,500 to $3,000 for probably a rubuilt one. It can get way more expensive than that based on the car model, year ect ect. So you do the math, $3 or $3,000
What you need to do is keep your car in a leveled surface. Then add the oil. Turn the car on for a minute then turn it back off. Then check the oil stick again. To check the stick you have to double dip. That is pull the stick and clean it. Put the stick back in and pull it out again. Now take a look at ehre is at.
2007-05-12 01:43:28 · answer #2 · answered by mr_gees100_peas 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok darl you need to put oil in before you drive ANYWHERE. i assume you drive an average car so you should buy 5 litres of 20W-50 oil. The guy at the petrol station can help you find it but it should be clearly labled.
Open the oil cap on the top of the engine. it's the big black cap on the very top, should be staring right at you, and pour about half of that in. wait a few minutes and then pull out the dipstick.
On the dipstick there should be a marked section. if the oil is in this marked section you should be right. If it's below the marked section put in a bit more and wait a few minutes and check it again.
Once the oil level is right you'll be set they'll be no need to go to the mechanic (He'll probably charge you 50-100 bucks for the same service).
However if the oil leaked out you should probably get it checked
sometimes car engines just burn up the oil little by little. but in other cases there's an oil leak. if there's an oil spot on your driveway then you've most likely got a leak.
Check the dipstick every few weeks and top up the oil if you need to.
Damn!!! by the time i typed this massive answer about 30 people beat me to it. i saw it first but didn't get in quick enough.
2007-05-12 01:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it is late model car, you'll find a sticker stuck under the bonnet that will tell you the type of oil to put, it will say something like 5W-20W or something like that. top up the oil to the full mark on the oil stick. and then drive to the mechanic to check to see why the engine is running low on oil. you may have a leak, or valve stem seals or guides worn,or the piston rings. you can damage your engine if you run out of oil.
2007-05-12 01:44:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you really need to put oil in like last week if you try to drive it 25 miles with no oil you wont make it! look in your owners manual for the type of oil usually 5w-30 or 10w-30! you can buy oil at any store!
2007-05-12 01:41:56 · answer #5 · answered by toddone03 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your car should have a book if you bought it new that tells you what kind of oil you need. Otherwise, refer to the last time you put oil in. It's usually 5W-30 or something like that. I use Pennzoil, although many like full synthetic Mobil-1 and such.
2007-05-12 01:41:51 · answer #6 · answered by descartesprotege 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Put some oil in it now. Then take it in or an oil change.
Forget taking it to a mechanic, there's not a lot he could do for it right now.
2007-05-12 04:08:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
put oil in if u dont the engine might seize up
2007-05-12 01:42:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
PUT OIL!!!!!! NOW!!!!!
any kind of car oil will do in teh meantime, till you get to the garage...
2007-05-12 01:40:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
1- Measure the amount of oil in the pan
2- Fill it to proper manfacturer's spec
3- Drive it to the garage
4- Ask them to inspect for any leaks
5- Ask them to check your pan`s gasket and plug
6- check the pressure in your tires and/or rotate
7- Make sure all fluids in the vehicle are checked and filled.
Good LUck
-OwT-
2007-05-12 01:40:50 · answer #10 · answered by iLLeGaLz 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋