Low Oil Level Mystery

[AlwaysLearning]

A curious one.

After having the car for a month, yesterday "Oil level low. Add 0.5l" pops on. No obvious leaks, no smells, no smoke. Drove 5 miles to where I needed to go, parked for an hour, drove back and the message was still there. Couple hours later I had to go out again, but no message. No messages in the evening while doing a couple more short trips either. Today, no message on the way to somewhere, but message reappeared on the way back.

Anyway, Google told me how to view the digital dipstick, and it was below the low tide mark. Opened the cap, peered in and nothing untoward there and added half a litre. Tomorrow I'll see what lights up I suppose.

So what should I start worrying about

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by AlwaysLearning

A curious one.

After having the car for a month, yesterday "Oil level low. Add 0.5l" pops on. No obvious leaks, no smells, no smoke. Drove 5 miles to where I needed to go, parked for an hour, drove back and the message was still there. Couple hours later I had to go out again, but no message. No messages in the evening while doing a couple more short trips either. Today, no message on the way to somewhere, but message reappeared on the way back.

Anyway, Google told me how to view the digital dipstick, and it was below the low tide mark. Opened the cap, peered in and nothing untoward there and added half a litre. Tomorrow I'll see what lights up I suppose.

So what should I start worrying about

We have seen this, and the appearance, disappearance, and reappearance of the message might be down to where the car is stood and for how long.

Having said that, the oil will have been a little low and teetering upon permanently displaying the warning message. Topping up was the right thing to do.

[AlwaysLearning]

What I want to think is that the last service was a bit shoddy. It was done by the independent garage that sold me the car, so I doubt they are expecting repeat business.

I'll just have to keep an eye on the digital dipstick and see what happens. To

[Zebster]

Originally Posted by AlwaysLearning

What I want to think is that the last service was a bit shoddy. It was done by the independent garage that sold me the car, so I doubt they are expecting repeat business.

I'll just have to keep an eye on the digital dipstick and see what happens. To

The e-dipstick indication is a binary display that shows only min or max, albeit with additional descriptive wording (such as 'low' or 'ok'). The 'add 0.5L' messages are reliable and really all you need. Make sure you add the correct Vovlo spec 0w-20

These VEA engines can consume a high level of engine oil. Try to work out how much it's burning so you can return the car if excessive

[AlwaysLearning]

Disappointing the dipstick is binary. I'd have preferred to be able to monitor in more detail. Sadly this is all part of manufacturers adding complexity, sometimes unnecessarily, and most drivers not wanting to know.

Well in my haste I added 0/30. Best case the engine is 90% 0/20 assuming the garage used the correct oil. I doubt much harm will be done.

[StanC]

With a lifetime of using them, I'm very cynical about garages. They are not there to protect the longevity of your car, but to make money. With the demise of actual dipsticks it has become more difficult for owners to check the cleanliness or otherwise of 'new' oil, a gift to any less scrupulous garages. It has happened to me occasionally, and I know of other cases, where oil has not even been changed at services. Similarly with the grade of oil - how is any owner going to know whether or not cheap, below-spec, stuff has been used? If this happens at successive services the oil level will inevitably drop over time.

This is why, even well into my 70s, I still do my own oil and filter changes.

Stan.

[AlwaysLearning]

I'm kind of with you but with what I hope is only half a life time so far.

Even with a dipstick, the best you can hope for is that the oil looks clean enough after a change. You've still no idea if the oil they claim they have put in is the oil they actually put in. Main stealers might be the most reliable, but they are wallet vampires.

I think like most folk with an understanding of car mechanics, we find a garage we grow to trust and stick with it.

[concrete]

Some things manufactures put on cars are ridiculous. A dipstick is so simple to use and reliable and the other thing I think is nuts is electronic handbrakes. Why replace something so simple that has worked forever.

[Whyman]

Originally Posted by concrete

Some things manufactures put on cars are ridiculous. A dipstick is so simple to use and reliable and the other thing I think is nuts is electronic handbrakes. Why replace something so simple that has worked forever.

Until the cable stretches or seizes!

[Moomoo]

Originally Posted by concrete

Some things manufactures put on cars are ridiculous. A dipstick is so simple to use and reliable and the other thing I think is nuts is electronic handbrakes. Why replace something so simple that has worked forever.

I would normally concur but I’ve not had a bit of trouble over the last seven years , with electronic handbrakes , on two cars.