Just wondering how much is normal for the oil level to drop in these cars. Im going to search more when I get back later but I've noticed in my car it drops noticably over the 3000 miles. I already did a quick search and I'm already confused on the results. Some say its normal for some oil to be burned, others say there level doesn't move at all. I'm not talking major amounts, but for instance I just checked mine and it's moved around 1/8" over 800-900 miles...

 

The only oil loss I've experienced is the oil getting blown past the PCV valve into the oil catch can. There aren't any oil drops on the floor of my garage. Over the period of 3,000 miles I would estimate I lose perhaps 6-8 ounces of oil via the catch can. That's only 1/4 of a quart of oil, nothing to get excited about. A newer engine normally burns a little oil as the internal parts get seated in. Once again, nothing to worry about. If the level on your dipstick varies more than half the distance to the "add oil" level, then you might have a problem in the making. Just be sure your car is on level ground when you check the fluids and that it has reached full operating temperature. Let it set a few minutes to allow the oil in the upper part of the engine to settle back into the pan before checking the dip stick.

Dusty

 

Hmmm, I'm getting two different readings... I've been usually checking it after it's sat overnight, and once in awhile after it's been warmed up... I get a lower reading after it's sat overnight... The manual says to do it either way.

After my first oil change I added about 3/4 of a quart over the 3000 miles... So this makes me wonder now, which is the best time to check it? I was out driving and came back let it sit, then checked it and it's right were it was at when I did the oil change.

Also I've found it's never been to the top line checking it at anytime. Even right after the oil change it's about 1/8" from the top, and now apparently seems to be 1/8" lower than that when it's sat over night vs after it's warmed up... 5 full quarts of Amsoil the first change, and the 5 quart jug this last time.

 

Andy, what weight of oil are you running and what is the average air temp in your area?

Dusty

 

First oil change was 5w30 amsoil, this time I used 10w30 Mobil 1, this time of year avg temp is in the 50s, temps ranging from low 40s over night to low 60s during the day. It occasionally dips to the high 30s over night.