Oil Level

[Xsbank]

just a warning, my ST has 3000 km on it now and I decided that I should explore the engine…the oil level was just touching the bottom of the dipstick. I had never looked before and I made the huge assumption that a new car shouldn’t need this attention.

 

[peterk9]

It shouldn't. That is supposed to be part of the pre-delivery inspection. Let's just hope it was that way when you picked it up!

Peter

 

[Jus Cruisin]

First thing I do when I first get home with any new vehicle. I did that with this one. Right to the top. I'll also monitor the oil every 500 miles or so for a while until I determine that this engine hopefully doesn't go through oil.

 

[EXFAN]

Years ago new engines went through a "break in period" for the first few thousand miles. During this time oil consumption can be high as piston rings "seat" to make a better seal and other parts create wear patterns. Its believed today that modern engines don't have such specific break in periods but I don't support this. I watch new engine oil consumption carefully in the first 5,000 miles especially a turbocharged or supercharged engine. The added cylinder pressures from the boost increases cylinder pressures causing oil "blow-by" and consumption.

 

[themishmosh]

I'm surprised in this day and age that our Explorers don't have an electronic oil level gauge. Even my 2015 BMW had one.

 

[peterk9]

Years ago new engines went through a "break in period" for the first few thousand miles. During this time oil consumption can be high as piston rings "seat" to make a better seal and other parts create wear patterns. Its believed today that modern engines don't have such specific break in periods but I don't support this. I watch new engine oil consumption carefully in the first 5,000 miles especially a turbocharged or supercharged engine. The added cylinder pressures from the boost increases cylinder pressures causing oil "blow-by" and consumption.

The manuals all indicate that the first 1000 miles or 1600 km is the break-in period.

Peter

 

[EXFAN]

Thanks Peter. I’m not near my manual nor was I clear that I was speaking generically about modern cars because I’ve seen the break in period omitted in the last recent years from various manufacturers. Does the Ford or in your case Lincoln manual say oil consumption could be higher during the break in period? Or vary your driving speeds during this time?

@themishmosh, your 15 Bmw may not have an oil dipstick hence having the oil level gauge/ light. Regardless, I agree all vehicles should have an oil level light or gauge.
One of the best and most durable vehicles I’ve owned was a 92 Ford Aerostar cargo van. It had a low oil level light that came on when it was 1qt. low. I was putting 25k miles a year on that with my business so it was real peace of mind having that warning light. But it never came on because although when I sold the van at 260k miles, it would not use a qt of oil between changes every 5k miles.

After my good experience with that van, is when I officially quit taking auto critics and reviews serious.

 

[Jost]

I'm surprised in this day and age that our Explorers don't have an electronic oil level gauge. Even my 2015 BMW had one.

That is one of the reasons I would not buy a BMW. I prefer to be able to check my own oil. Maybe I am just old.

 

[Spacey]

I have an Audi with an oil level indicator on the system screen and no dipstick. They sell a dipstick for the car as a maintenance "tool". I bought one, installed it in the engine and left it there. I think it's great to have the indicator in the car, but when you're adding / changing the oil having the dipstick is more useful IMO.