Should I do an oil change? Topic is solved

1998s70GLT · Post by **1998s70GLT** » 16 Dec 2020, 20:40

While checking the levels of fluids in my '98 S70 GLT, I noticed that I was not getting a reading on the oil dipstick.

The car was parked on a very very very very slight incline, so maybe that could alter the reading on my dipstick?

The car has been sitting periodically, less than a week each time, but I doubt this would alter my oil levels. The weather has been between 30s-70s the past few weeks, if that would affect anything.

The last time I changed my oil was in April if I am not mistaken. I am due for an oil change. I intend to change my PCV system tomorrow wherein I will replace the oil and filter (hence why I haven't done it the past few months). Before replacing the PCV system, I need to drive 45 minutes to where I'll be working on my car. Should I just do an oil change, using the same filter and then drive the 45 minutes and then drain the oil while doing replacing the PCV system a long with inserting a new oil filter then, or should I just add a quart of oil?

That last time I drove the car (3 days before I checked the oil), I did not experience anything weird, nor did any light come on the dash. I never had a leak of any sort that I know of.

While checking the oil, I did wipe off the dipstick, and no oil still showed.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 16 Dec 2020, 20:44

Just top up, do the drive, then do the maintenance and oil change as you described. You're not going to hurt anything as long as you aren't low on oil. A few miles or days over an oil change interval isn't going to be a problem.

1998s70GLT · Post by **1998s70GLT** » 16 Dec 2020, 20:46

Top up as in adding a quart or adding the whole 6.8 quarts?

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 16 Dec 2020, 22:33

1998s70GLT wrote: ↑16 Dec 2020, 20:46 Top up as in adding a quart or adding the whole 6.8 quarts?

What?

Just top up what you have until it reads correctly, with whatever you need. Sounds like a quart or so.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 16 Dec 2020, 22:37

We all have to top up periodically. Just add a half quart at a time until you see oil on the dipstick.

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Dec 2020, 00:56

What they said.

1998s70GLT · Post by **1998s70GLT** » 17 Dec 2020, 01:58

Will do. Thanks everyone!

Post by **abscate** » 17 Dec 2020, 03:56

You always want some oil on the dipstick, so you know the sump isn’t dry. That’s $3000 to repair if that happens, and the damage is done in 60 seconds of driving. Most of us here check our oil frequently on an old Volvo, by both looking underneath for drips, watching exhaust for smoke, and the dipstick of course.