An oil question

[dollyanna]

Recently my oil light flashed on for a second or two and then went off again, hasn't lit up since. I checked my oil level and while not being full by an means it is also not empty. Could it just have been a blip as a result of parking on a slight incline for 24 hours?

When I do need to top it up, what oil do I use given that I don't know what was last put in? Is it ok to mix grades of oil?

[Doone]

As you've said the oil level is lower than it should be, that's likely to be the reason why the oil light flashed. Top it up to the full mark but don't overfill. (You can warm the engine before doing this.) Opinions on oil differ, but as per the factsheet in the members area, for diesel engines in normal (UK) operating temperatures use API CD 10W/30 engine oil.
We change our oil and filter at least every 6 months, so you may want to consider doing that if it hasn't been done.

[rita]

Hi dollyanna,

If the oil is low,and you dont know the type of oil that is in the engine,I would change the oil and filter.

[dollyanna]

Thanks. I will book it in for its service fairly soon anyway, new filters are ready and waiting, but I have a long journey before then and I don't know if it will be ok for it? Should I buy a bottle of oil to carry in case I get a problem on the way, and if so, I'm back to the original question of can you mix grades?

[rita]

Thanks. I will book it in for its service fairly soon anyway, new filters are ready and waiting, but I have a long journey before then and I don't know if it will be ok for it? Should I buy a bottle of oil to carry in case I get a problem on the way, and if so, I'm back to the original question of can you mix grades?

Hi,you can mix grades,but not advisable to mix types,Ie synthetic and mineral.But i suppose any oil would be better than none.

Ps check your oil when it has been standing for a while.

[dollyanna]

Thanks, I checked it when it had been standing at least 24 hours on a relatively level road (nose slightly downhill). I have tried to contact the previous owner to find out what type of oil it has in it, no luck yet but fingers crossed. I think I will have to wait and see if they get back to me, and keep a close eye on the oil light - there are plenty of services on the way south so hopefully I can get to one of them if I need to for oil.

The previous oil changes appear to have been with synthetic (owner before last), are the last owners likely to have kept this?