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Dipstick shows no oil, can I top with 10w30 for a short drive to mechanic?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Natasha77, Jan 5, 2016.

  1. Natasha77

    Natasha77 New Member

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    So I guess I have one of those notorious 2010 Prius that burns oil like mad.
    I checked my oil this morning and although there's some oil in the system (as evidenced by oil along the side of the dipstick), the dipstick itself isn't registering a line of oil - so it's scary low. Dipstick middle is dry to touch, so not a matter of not seeing the oil. Oil check was done on level ground, cold. No oil spots ever in driveway. No visible oil leaks or even wetness anywhere under or on top of the engine.

    I'm up on a mountain, no neighbors. I have access to 10W30 (used for a different car). Can I use it just to get my car to a mechanic? Or will it cause more damage? Maybe that's a stupid question, but I'd rather ask you guys than try to figure it out on my own and even then possibly miss something important. I have been running synthetic via dealer oil changes every 5-10k (now I know better, but up until today I thought that was the responsible thing to do).

    Thoughts? What would you do? Looking for basic info because I know crap about cars.
    Thanks everyone!
    Natasha
     
  2. tankyuong

    tankyuong Senior Member

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    That's fine cause some oil is better THAN none
     
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  3. roamerr

    roamerr Member

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    No it will not cause damage. Top it up and don't worry about it. A 10w will flow fine. Just fill with correct in future. Not a big deal


    iPhone ?
     
  4. Drewintoledo

    Drewintoledo Junior Member

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    I agree with the above statements. The first number in the oil's designation, in this case "10" is the weight of the oil when cold. So, you're only affected on startup which really won't amount to anything running it into the service center. Don't lose any sleep on it.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How many miles on it? Being up a mountain might be part of the issue, it's tough on cars.

    Also, just to pile on: you're fine to top up with 10W30.
     
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  6. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I would top it off, then drive it to the dealership and have the oil changed.
    Simultaneously they could check for a leak.

    While at the dealership buy a few "emergency" quarts of OEM oil.

    If it's near totally empty, that's a lot of oil to lose in 5000-10000 miles. I'd want some investigation as to why this is happening.
     
  7. GrGramps

    GrGramps Active Member

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    Natasha, You mentioned that you are living on a mountain. Can we assume you had your car on a level place when checking the oil level?
     
  8. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm going to place my bet on Yes.
     
  9. Natasha77

    Natasha77 New Member

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    Phew, thanks you guys! I tried to send the "YOU GUYS ROCK!!" email prior, but it failed to send! I added the available oil, then added the 0w from down the hill, and then got my oil changed at the dealer. (A decision based on necessity at this point, but I checked it before I drove it and it was in between the two dimples - cold check too so I think all is good). Engine sounds fine, no knocking, no ticking. I did have to add 2.5 quarts though. I think I'll be trading her in and then letting someone else get the benefit of the certified warranty :) I will be monitoring my oil usage carefully until then. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!
     
    #9 Natasha77, Jan 5, 2016
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2016
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    2016 prius! all the best.(y)
     
  11. Natasha77

    Natasha77 New Member

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    yeah? 2016? I was thinking 2012 or so with about 60k on it... BUT for the very first time I can see the VERY real advantage of having a brand new car and being there to ensure it was taken care of as it should be.
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    2012 was a good year.:cool:
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    2015's are still available, discounted.
     
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  14. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    ...and start checking you dip stick every fill-up...for the rest of your life.
     
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  15. JimN

    JimN Let the games begin!

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    Reminds me of the Castrol ads.