Engine oil - How low can you go?

[Bill Gilbertson]

My son checked the oil on his girl friend's Tahoe. He had to add 3 quarts to bring it up to where it is supposed to be. I was skeptical that the engine would run without triggering the oil pressure light. I figured he didn't push the dipstick all the way in. But he insists it really was that low. Is this possible?

[Jrp267]

Yes it's possible. Probably needs a change though. The running that occurred on three quarts I am sure overheated and used up all the additive package.

[dwendt]

Yikes when you check the oil filter/ run the oil you drain out of the motor through a filter to check for particulate matter.

Hopefully she didn't run it to long that low, that's very hard on an engine.

[h2ofwlr]

Reg oil VS synthetic--there is a significant difference too. I suggest that you do as dwendt said as it's a pretty good idea.

[maplelakeduckslayer]

Can send out to Blackstone labs as well if you are concerned

[ducksmuggler]

What year truck?? The newer Chevys have a 6 quart pan

[h2ofwlr]

Also check to see if the oil light is burnt out. And the diagnostic codes, it may say when it started having low oil issues,

[dwendt]

Also check to see if the oil light is burnt out. And the diagnostic codes, it may say when it started having low oil issues,

This can be a difficult task if you have never taken a dash apart, beware.

[Bill Gilbertson]

Thanks for the insight. The Tahoe is a 2006 with a 6 quart capacity. My son reported to me that he did change the oil a few days ago and apparently all is well now.

My 2004 Suburban with 150K miles uses less than a quart of oil between changes, so I find the oil use in the Tahoe which probably has the same engine surprising. On the other hand, my wife's Lacrosse has used 2 quarts of oil between changes ever since we bought it new. Rarely, the oil light will flicker on hard cornering if we don't keep it topped off.

[dwendt]

Thanks for the insight. The Tahoe is a 2006 with a 6 quart capacity. My son reported to me that he did change the oil a few days ago and apparently all is well now.

My 2004 Suburban with 150K miles uses less than a quart of oil between changes, so I find the oil use in the Tahoe which probably has the same engine surprising. On the other hand, my wife's Lacrosse has used 2 quarts of oil between changes ever since we bought it new. Rarely, the oil light will flicker on hard cornering if we don't keep it topped off.

That's odd, what oil brand are you running?

I have never owned a vehicle that burned oil.