Does the oil lever have to be exactly at full on the dipstick ?

Asked by Stephen Sep 19, 2014 at 10:03 AM about the 2013 Ford Mustang V6 Coupe RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

As dumb as it sounds I have never
checked or changed oil before. I had
my dad change it and at first it was a
tad below the full mark. We added
more so now its a tad over the full
mark. Is it ok or do I need to let some
out ? Ive asked several people but
nobody will give me a straight
answer. Also is the full mark the
second hole or is it the top of the
threads that is located in between
the holes ?

3 Answers

25,275

If you're in the "area" that's fine. A little over will not hurt anything. Typically the oil dipstick will have an area for proper operating oil level.

475

Generally, when the level hits the add mark, it is a quart low, and you do not need to add any oil until it gets to this level. However, do not let it go below the add mark level. If you try to keep it at the full level, you'll be putting in oil a few capfuls at a time. I will not mix brands of oil, or oils of different weights. I suggest you stay with one particular brand of oil and whatever weight the car mfg recommends. Personally, because my vehicles rarely use any oil between oil changes, I check the level every week or so. I don't add any oil until the level is between the full level and the add mark, and this is usually about 1/2 of a quart. It is wise to have a couple of quarts of close by - I keep one in each vehicle, and one in the garage for those "just in case" times.

5

In my opinion it's best to bring the level of the oil just below the top of the "full" mark or the top hole. Oil will expand once it reaches temperature and if you check the dip stick when the engine is hot it will show the level of the oil at the "full" mark. By leaving a little room you won't force the pressure to push the oil out through the valve cover gaskets. This is how I prevent oil spots from showing up on my garage floor.

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