How long should engine oil last for?

[Ben Mason]

Hi,

A couple months ago I started a new job where I'm now driving a 220 mile round trip every day. So now I'm managing 1,100 miles a week whereas previously I'd maybe do 500 in an entire month.

Obviously I've been checking the coolant, tyres and oil etc more often and it seems like I am topping up the oil a lot more. I checked it today and it's at the "minimum" reading part of the dipstick, and at the beginning of the month it was nearer the "maximum" reading part of the dipstick, where it kinks again to go straight.

Do cars use more oil in the winter and with more miles? I swear I used to top her up with oil like once every six months beforehand, if that...

It's a PD130 with 160,000 miles.

Ben

 

[Badger]

So by what you've managed its consuming the oil over a 4000 mile month? They do use a very little amount of oil but not that much!

Can you see any obvious leaks?

 

[Ben Mason]

Yes that's right. I thought it didn't seem like it should be using that much. I can't see any leaks at all. :/

 

[krussel]

Depends when you last changed the oil ? Driving small journeys can lead to condensation in the oil which will burn off over longer runs.

Could be that. I would suggest change the oil and see if it uses less.

 

[Ben Mason]

It was last completely changed in February 2013. I'll keep an eye on it more regularly but I can't see any leaks or anything.

 

[britishsligean]

I work with a guy who is a mechanic, he suggests every 5000 miles but then again i have a 3 cylinder and he said they need more care

 

[cheshire cat]

It was last completely changed in February 2013. I'll keep an eye on it more regularly but I can't see any leaks or anything.

Feb 2013????? it's now 2015 March over due by time if not mileage I would get it done now and then see what happens also don't recommend filling to the top of the dip stick also it has done 160K so some blowby/ valve guide seals shot and some turbo wear do it d'rectly

 

[Ben Mason]

When you put it like that, it's definitely about time it had a service haha over two years now.

Just for the sake of clarity, I did mean the max mark on the "kinked" part of the dipstick, not that I'd filled it up to the very top of the actual metal pole haha. Just in case I come across as more of an idiot than I am actually am.

 

[Badger]

No, the kinked part is where your level should be between

But two years without a service! I would put some fresh oil in and check your breather pipes are free from gunk.

 

[R3k1355]

2 years without a service, jesus christ man!!!

You can't moan about having engine problems if you treat the car that badly.

 

[Ben Mason]

It's a bit presumptive to think I treat the car badly based on the fact it hasn't had a service in two years. I lack the (very basic) knowledge and didn't have the finances. But thanks for your valuable input.

 

[Badger]

Don't take it too personally Ben, I'm sure there was a reason.

Just give it a good service and monitor from there

 

[cheshire cat]

yes know what you mean re: dipstick I try never to go more than 2/3 the way to full I think there is less chance of over filling (gives some safety) and have always reckoned it uses less than at full(can't prove it!!!!) if you start and work thro' the servicing you know where you're up to 1/oil and filter every 10K or 18 months (no cheepo oil or filter) 2/air and fuel filter @10K (take no notice of the book) 3/brake fluid@ 2-3 years 4/ pollen filter every 2years preferably @backend before the damp weather. also check coolant antifreeze strength (not that it ever gets cold in Devon ) and please don't buy "budget "hoo flung dung" tyres your bodyshell will eventually thank you for it along with well maintained brakes. If you don't have a favourite garage I can recommend Paul in Plympton St Maurice--- next to the LONDON here endeth the lesson (yawn)

 

[G.P]

I've had diesel's burn oil max to min every 5k and other's not burn a drop.

My PD Tdi Leon always burnt oil max to min every 5k until it's 30k service when I stopped using Castrol and put Shell Helix in it, it now doesn't burn a drop..

 

[MattRowell]

Go for a good quality oil too!