Did I Just Break My Car?

[Elenar]

Back in South Africa, when you fill up your car, YOU don't actually do it - they have pump attendants that fill your car up, wash the windscreen, check oil etc. So, between services, you always had trained people checking your oil levels.

Here in the UK, I check the oil levels - if I remember about it. It's been 7 months since I bought my Landcruiser. It was serviced (so they claimed) when I bought it. I checked the oil today and it looked very low - a teeny bit over the empty mark. The car's engine was cold and level - I used to think it had to be cold to check oil levels. So I went to BP, got some Castrol 5W-30 oil and put a litre in the car, wanting to be careful. But of course by this time, the engine was warm and now, it seems the dipstick shows it is overfull- but not by much. It was dark in the garage and my light was flimsy. I'll check tomorrow again in the daylight.

The oil in the car looks quite dirty - judging by the oil on the dipstick! What do I do? Do I worry, do I try and drain some, or is it OK?

[sandgroper]

Back in South Africa, when you fill up your car, YOU don't actually do it - they have pump attendants that fill your car up, wash the windscreen, check oil etc. So, between services, you always had trained people checking your oil levels.

Here in the UK, I check the oil levels - if I remember about it. It's been 7 months since I bought my Landcruiser. It was serviced (so they claimed) when I bought it. I checked the oil today and it looked very low - a teeny bit over the empty mark. The car's engine was cold and level - I used to think it had to be cold to check oil levels. So I went to BP, got some Castrol 5W-30 oil and put a litre in the car, wanting to be careful. But of course by this time, the engine was warm and now, it seems the dipstick shows it is overfull- but not by much. It was dark in the garage and my light was flimsy. I'll check tomorrow again in the daylight.

The oil in the car looks quite dirty - judging by the oil on the dipstick! What do I do? Do I worry, do I try and drain some, or is it OK?

Its ok .When the oil is warm it expands and also contains air .Once it cools,it will subside. The good thing about checking your own oil is that you will recognise when there is abnormal usage.

Sounds like your due for an oil change anyway