Is this normal?

**nepats555** · 04-17-2012 01:11 PM

So I know Subaru says the first oil change at 7500 although I got a little weary when I hit 5700 and decided to call the dealer. The dealer recommended 3700 and suggested I come in ASAP which I did. After it was done I pick the car up and notice on the receipt a note from the tech - OIL LEVEL WAS LOW, RECOMMENDED ON ALL TURBO MODELS TO CHECK AND TOP OFF ENGINE OIL LEVEL IN BETWEEN CHANGES- my wife had a 13 year corolla with 160,000 miles on it that we added oil every 2 weeks but 2012 car? It's my daily driver and most of my drive is in rush hour, I like to push it once and awhile but no redlining it or bringing it to the track. Is this normal? Or could there be something wrong with the car? Feedback is appreciated

**SD_GR** · 04-17-2012 01:48 PM

Oil use has not stabilized. Check regularly, note how much is used, and see what happens as the motor continues to break in. Since you don't know what was missing you can't say if it's abnormal or not. I'd not worry, but I'd watch it.

**Asharus** · 04-17-2012 01:56 PM

make it a habit of checking the oil at least every 1000 miles just to see how its behaving. i take it you didn't check it at all for 5700 miles. just take note of how much is in there now and check it often.

**nepats555** · 04-17-2012 02:14 PM

Going to keep an eye on it just makes me nervous that they noticed it was low, I'm sure they don't measure it when they drain it so I'm thinking it was so low not much came out. It may be good advice from them although it would have been more helpful info before I took it off the lot

**SD_GR** · 04-17-2012 02:26 PM

I seem to recall the owner's manual instructs that the oil be checked at every fuel fill or something to that effect.

**nepats555** · 04-17-2012 02:29 PM

Thanks need to read it closer, did you experience any loss initially ?

**SD_GR** · 04-17-2012 02:41 PM

I seem to recall I did, yes. I would check weekly or so and did my first change at 3K, and it'd been half a L down at that point I think. After 20K on the motor it stabilized to 250 ml - 500 ml per 5K, then went up a bit more as the motor aged. Now at 120K it's around 750K per 5K oil drain interval or so, depending on what oil I use and how it's driven.

**nepats555** · 04-17-2012 02:42 PM

K thanks for the response appreciated

**Asharus** · 04-17-2012 03:59 PM

i wouldnt worry too much about it until you actually start monitoring it. i havent had to top off yet and im already at 30k miles. i did keep a close eye on it for a while, but it never made it below the halfway mark on the dipstick at any point, and i've gone up to 5k before a change. i did however change the oil around 3k since i was at the dealer already getting a fuel door spring replaced.

**Mike193** · 04-18-2012 05:14 AM

Be happy you brought it in early! (This being my first car, and I was learning, etc. don't worry i got a ton of abuse on this forum for the mistakes ive made as a dumb teenager, but ive since grown up) My dealer delivered my car with 27 miles on the clock (brandy new) and the guy who delivered it said, "bring it in around 7k-7,500 and they will do a real quick check up on it then send you on your way. well, 6k miles roles along and i sound like marbles in a tin can going down the road. I call my dealership, send it in, and sure enough had a blown motor. They realized this was not due to any fault on my part (besides not checking the oil, although i was instructed, and had a sticker on the window which read, 'next service 7,500') They replaced my motor and whatever else had gone with it under warrantee. When i picked it up with the new motor, I told them I would see them in 1k miles, then in 3k, then i would change it every 6k from then on. I can't tell you how far my heart dropped hearing that blown motor run, I thought my dad would sell the car and buy me a smart for two (I know, a kid shouldnt have a sports car as is, but I come from a family whos real into cars)