Question about oil change

[TraumaRN]

So me and my father got into a little debate carwise. Specifically, on the advice of a mechanic friend I was told to fill my car (02 Taurus Sport) with 5.5 quarts of oil when I do my oil changes. The rationale is that my car burns oil(its got 157,000 miles on it), doesn't leak it but every oil change is roughly half to 3/4 quart low if I only put 5 quarts in and didn't add extra.

Mechanic says it'll be fine and that way I wont have to keep adding oil. My father says it'll cause problems and possible blow a gasket. I'm due to change the oil on it...so is it safe or not?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

You should not overfill but generally a 1/2 quart will not caue any issues.

 

[woodie1]

Never overfill. You know your engine uses oil so check the level regularly and fill as needed.

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: woodie1
Never overfill. You know your engine uses oil so check the level regularly and fill as needed.

/thread.

 

[bobdole369]

Overfilled oil pan can cause lower oil pressure through the system, foaming and poor performance. I don't consider 1/2 quart overfilling. Your mechanic probably doesn't either. a full quart high is pushing it, and more than that will reduce the effectiveness of the lubrication system and start breaking parts.

Never known too much oil to actually blow a gasket though.

I've been known to overfill a vehicle that is leaking or burning oil by about that much - its added protection.

 

[MovingTarget]

If you check it regularly enough, then just fill it to the recommended level and top off as needed. If not, then you will end up having to go back to the mechanic anyway.

 

[Budmantom]

I hope we've been able to help

 

[LTC8K6]

Half a quart low is fine, so let it burn half a quart off. Fill it to the correct level. Just keep an eye on it.