An older and more worn engine will tend to burn a bit of oil in in between changes. This isn't a big deal, just check and top it up as needed.
If you don't know when it was last changed, and the oil on the dipstick looks black, then give it new oil, and a filter. If it was changed a thousand miles ago, just top it up as needed.
It means the engine is worn, but as long a the oil burn is not excessive it can still go for a lot longer
Adding oil prevents overheating, wear and ultimately, seizing. Changing oil throws out most suspended debris, metal, combustion and other solids, acids and, last but not least, the clogged filter cartridge.
So these are two very different things.
If close to the next oil change, do it immediately using proper grade fresh oil to the max level and try to keep it in time (it also helps cool the engine). If not, top up to the max. level using fresh oil, preferably of the same make and type.
In any event the crankcase oil level should be fill on the *yellow dip-stick when the engine is cold. Should you change the oil and filter? That depends upon miles traveled since the last oil change. Toyota recommends no more than 5,000 miles.
Hello
First of all most cars take 1 Ltr of oil to go from Min to Max on the dip stick.
Check the owners hand book for at what mileage they recommend to change rather than top up
Andy C
Replace it every 5,000 miles for a Toyota.
It will rune your engine if it is to thin or too low. Check for leak spots under the car. If it's leaking; get it fixed.
You change it on a regular schedule...say 5,000 miles or 6 months.which ever comes first...that's in your owners manual...
if its low between changes you add oil..
...kinda like you don't change a tire til its worn, but you add air or patch it til then.
Hi if it's due for an oil change do it and change the filter as well.
I have a 99 Toyota camry that is running low on oil. Checked it a couple times just to make sure. So should I change the oil completely, or just add in engine oil? Which one is better? I know adding is easier but what's the bigger difference? When should I replace it and when should I add? Thanks in advance!
