Hello all,

I just recently did an oil change on my 1995 Del Sol Vtec with about 4 qts, two days after the oil change I wanted to check the oil level just to make sure that there had been no leaks or anything like that. I checked the oil, unfortunately it was at night and I had somewhat of a hard time getting a good oil reading, and I thought that it needed more. So I added about 1/2 of a quart more. I was worried that I had added too much oil and checked the next day, ran the engine, checked the oil and it was at about the top line. After this I wasnt too concerned so I used the car for about 4 days driving about 60 miles/day, but noticed that it was a bit sluggish. Also one of the times I turned on my car it would not start, but it may have been due to a loose battery connection. So on the weekend I drained some of the oil out and took out about 1/2 of a quart total. So should I be concerned? Could I have caused any damage?

Also one quick question. When I check the oil I tend to get different readings if I check oil after running the car after being cold and after I have used it the whole day. When is the best time to check the oil?

 

In your manual it should say to check the oil level 5-10 minutes after the car is turned off. At least it does in mine

 

I always put 4-4.5 quarts in when I do an oil change. You will be fine

 

After the oil is heated by running the car, you just need to give it about 10-15 minutes to drain back into the oil pan. And no, you most likely did not cause any damage. By the way, the max mark on the dip stick is like the maximum pressure a tire should run; that's the highest you should go, but the ideal amount is much lower.

 

The oil capacity a car has depends on a few factors, you can't just throw in 4.5 quarts and call it good. A good rule of thumb is to put in 3 quarts and then put a little more in and check it again, and repeat til it's real close to the top.

 

To get the most accurate reading on the oil you should be checking it cold. The oil will slightly expand once it heats up. The way I always check it is for the car to be cold. I then start the car and let it run for 20 seconds to let the oil completely circulate through the engine, then shut it off and check the level. This way you know that the entire engine is lubricated and won't have to worry about starving the engine, even if you're on hard turns.