Oil Change Dilemma - Need to add oil?

I like to buy my own oil and filter, take it to a mechanic that I've used forever, and have them do the labor of changing it. I forgot that my 3.5l V6 is supposed to take 6.2 quarts of oil - I only brought 6 quarts with me. I bought an extra quart on my way home, but I'm not sure how to check if I actually need to add oil. The dip stick looks "full" per oil being on the dimple on the stick, but it doesn't seem very precise. There's a small chance that the technician may have added a little bit of oil to top it off after my oil was put in.

What can I do to know if I need to add the extra .2 quarts without risking overfilling?

 

.2 is 6.4 oz.

You can add that much if it makes you happy, or you can leave it alone, as likely close to that was residual in the engine.

Either way no harm will come.

 

I wouldn't sweat it.

 

I’ve always done my oil changes on my vehicles. On the Tacoma I put 6 quarts when I change the oil. There will always be some residual left after draining. Even then being off .2 quarts will not harm anything. I do keep a quart of oil in the car just in case I ever do need to add

 

Just leave it. No sweat at all.

 

Check the dipstick and trust it. If it is a quart low, add one full quart. Anywhere between the full, and the add one quart line on the dipstick is OK. If you're right in the middle and want to add 1/2 quart then that is OK too. But I'd not bother with anything less than 1/2 quart, and even 1 quart low won't hurt anything.

 

I set all my oil changes a bit low from full marks, this allows for heat expansion.

You'll have no issue with 6 qt

 

You can be 1.6qt low on oil before it’s “Low”.
According to the manual, between the 2 dots is Normal.
I prefer the level to be closer to the top dot. But even the middle is ok with me.

I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

You are fine. Worry about important stuff. Like popcorn and tube tops.

 

Honestly, I am a bit surprised we haven't heard from THAT person telling you to add that .2/qt or there will be engine failure in your future. Wait for it, it'll come. In the meantime, your good in the eyes of the majority.

 

I read somewhere and it makes sense, better to be a hair under than a hair over....
I don't know why it makes sense but it did at the time.

 

You should be good. You know what's bs? when the dealership charges you for the extra .2 quarts of oil and charges a full quart. like they don't have it in a giant ass drum

 

Over full by an appreciable amount will cause more drag on the crank as it has to run through more volume in the pan, oil sitting where it's only expected to splash, etc.

 

Yeah, way worse to overfill. Same for an automatic tranny.

 

You are right. Never thought about that. Also I think the rear differential takes 1.1 quarts, they probably will charge for 2 quarts. I may just demand that they bottle the rest of the fluid that I paid for and hand it to me. Just to watch them stammer while they come up with an excuse why they can’t do that.

 

Trust the dipstick.

 

I always add the .2 Quart but it also wouldn't bother me to just leave it out either.

 

Let your truck sit on level ground for a couple of hours, then pull the dipstick out and look at it before wiping. The dipstick can be hard to read with new oil. See where you are at on the picture in post #8 and adjust if needed.

 

I posted this in another forum and it is the best way to check oil on most vehicles with such tight fitting dipsticks.

The best way (in my opinion) is to shut the vehicle off and pull the dipstick up a few inches - that allows the air seal to break in the tube. Let it sit a few minutes or even overnight. I always find it best to check when the oil is cool. If you wait till morning, there is no need to pull and wipe the stick. Just push it down and pull it out and the reading will be absolute. Regards Scott