Over the last two days check control, via my CID, has kindly informed me that I should check my oil level, which I did this morning.

I found it was halfway between MIN and MAX, so time to top up a bit, which is something I've never had to do to date.

Question is, is check control set to kick in earlier than the dashboard oil light (and if that came on I assume I would be at MIN or less) and is coming on at halfway about right?

dashboard oil light is oil pressure low warning

The dashboard oil light indicates low oil pressure, not low oil level. ;) If that comes on, you need to stop the engine immediately as it's no longer being lubricated.

The low oil warning does indeed come on before you reach the low mark on the dipstick under some conditions (and may not come on with oil level below minimum in others).

The warning is a useful indication that the oil level has been overlooked but it's not to be relied upon. Nothing beats a check of the dipstick every now and then. :y

Kevin

Marvellous, thanks for the clarity on the difference between the check control and the dashboard light.

I will monitor the oil level regularly now to see if it's developed a thirst for oil or just needs a one-off top up.

I have had the check oil light on only once in 9 years and that followed a period when I was doing a lot of miles over a short period of time. Like you oil did not seem too low but topped up to max and that was the end of it. Then back to normal - i.e. no oil usage between services effectively but it does get down to half way between max and min. As said keeping topped up is best policy.

pscocoa wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 17:41:

I have had the check oil light on only once in 9 years and that followed a period when I was doing a lot of miles over a short period of time. Like you oil did not seem too low but topped up to max and that was the end of it. Then back to normal - i.e. no oil usage between services effectively but it does get down to half way between max and min. As said keeping topped up is best policy.

I always find long motorway runs cause the oil to burn....1000ml+, so I keep a litre in the tyre well. Dash warning always comes on 1/2 between min + max

Thanks all for the advice.  I checked the level this morning when the engine was cold, but reading the manual it states that this should be done five minutes after the engine has been switched off.

Is this likely to change the reading I get on the dipstick?

Mr Hagon wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 22:45:

Thanks all for the advice.  I checked the level this morning when the engine was cold, but reading the manual it states that this should be done five minutes after the engine has been switched off. Is this likely to change the reading I get on the dipstick?

Yes .. by quite a bit.  If the engine has "stood" overnight the oil will have "drained" down from the galleries and surfaces it is supposed to coat. Therefore the level in the sump will be higher than it should be. It will therefore "over read".. :(

Some folks think that the fact the oil is cold, rather than warm will correct this .. but the co-efficient of expansion of oil as it warms up is actually very small.

Either way, the manufacturer gives a set of "datums" ... the marks on the dipstick, the type of oil, and an indication of when to check it .. all in order to ensure the level is "correct"

HTH  :)

Entwood wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 22:52:

Mr Hagon wrote on 10. Nov 2010 at 22:45: Thanks all for the advice.  I checked the level this morning when the engine was cold, but reading the manual it states that this should be done five minutes after the engine has been switched off. Is this likely to change the reading I get on the dipstick? Yes .. by quite a bit.  If the engine has "stood" overnight the oil will have "drained" down from the galleries and surfaces it is supposed to coat. Therefore the level in the sump will be higher than it should be. It will therefore "over read".. :( Some folks think that the fact the oil is cold, rather than warm will correct this .. but the co-efficient of expansion of oil as it warms up is actually very small. Either way, the manufacturer gives a set of "datums" ... the marks on the dipstick, the type of oil, and an indication of when to check it .. all in order to ensure the level is "correct" HTH  :)

Check control didn't alert me on the commute today in either direction, but I will have to take a look tomorrow when I get to the office as it will be light by the time I arrive, compared to when I get home  :).

However as the engine currently has 5w30, what implications does that have?

The only oil you should be using is what is recommended by VX/GM - GM's own brand 10w40 Semi Synthetic. It is all I use now since its recommendation by DarthLooKnee and now I never have any mayo in the oil filler neck whatever the weather. It is cheap to buy at the (dare I say it) the stealer dealership too. Cheaper still with a trade card. Same applies to the antifreeze seeing as it is now that time of year again.
:D