Topping up engine oil level

120

Asked by Erfanul Apr 07, 2020 at 08:43 AM about the 2004 Honda Accord LX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I've a '04 Honda Accord with 130k miles for which I use synthetic blend 5W-
20 engine oil. Usually, I need to have engine oil changed every 3/4 months
even though I drive no more than 70 miles per week. The auto shop said
they didn't find any leak, the engine is old and it's just consuming too much
engine oil.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                      
My last oil change was on January and the dipstick (please see the attached
imaged) shows that I would need oil change on next month. My question is,
would it be OK if I just top up my engine oil level without draining the old oil
and changing the oil filter? FYI, currently, I'm driving way less.

2 Answers

155,245

Absolutely. It's not uncommon for an older model to use oil and other fluids from time to time. Your dipstick is showing one half a quart low so you're still good. Wait until it drops to the lower hole on the dipstick to add oil. That's the one quart low mark. It won't hurt anything to wait until you're one quart low before adding. Just use the same kind and weight oil when you add your quart. For example, use full synthetic 5W30 if that's what is already in there. If you're not sure, check the receipt from your last oil change. Hope that helps! Jim

I see no problems here. Changing oil twice a year is enough.

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