Right, had my STI8 since brand new last March and suddenly thought to myself sh*t I've never checked the oil. Now I'm starting to get the jitters. The question is what's the best way to check the correct oil level and filling it? Also which oil?

 

Dipstick

I sincerely doubt you've "lost" enough oil to have done any damage whatsoever, and similarly, if you've had the car serviced at the correct intervals it will have been done for you...

Don't panic!

K.

(Wondering if this is a wind up...!)


[Edited by kelvin - 12/31/2003 1:02:14 PM]

 

kelvin,

This is not a wind up! When I asked about checking the oil I was quite serious. I've heard conflicting things i.e. check when cold, check when warm and idled for x amount of time etc... Just wanted to know what the correct procedure is and same with filling with oil. I know it sounds simple, but you just don't know sometimes.

p.s. I was expecting someone to come up with a smart alec answer like "Dipstick!" LOL

 

Sorry I see what you mean now... lol...

Personally, I check when the car is cold. The level on my car always seems to rise a little bit when warm so I fill it to just under the max mark - once the car's warmed up the level is perfect

I'm sure someone else will give you their tuppence worth but that's what I do

When filling, remember that the oil takes a few minutes to sink and so won't register on the d/s immediately...

K.

[Edited by kelvin - 12/31/2003 1:31:50 PM]

 

In my opinion you want it halfway between low and max when warm. Too much oil has caused fouling of sensors, at least on classic models.

 

The only way I find I can get a reading is to....

1) Start car, let it idle for 30 secs to a minute or drive it to the house.
2) Switch off and leave it for at least 20 minutes.
3) Try and get a reading.

I find that I can't get a clean reading if the car is dead cold or hot. I just get dribbles dragged along the length of the stick.


Vindaloo.

 

Thanks guys, that was very helpful! I'll give it a go tonight.