Hey all,

My "Check oil" light has started coming on when I'm about 500 miles away from being due for an oil change. I've recently hit the 100,000mi plateau and I'd like to keep this car for much longer.

Any idea what could be the problem/solution and how much it 'should' cost?

I guess I'm just looking for similar experiences. I haven't noticed any oil leaking from the car, and yet I'm coming up short.

thanks in advance!

How much do you have to add to get it back to full when this happens?

Do you have any oil spots on the ground? Do you have any blue smoke when you start the car or when your driving? Have you checked the coolant?

replace the leaking lalve cover gaskets !!!!!

When the alarm went off during the afternoon, I checked the level later that evening and was down to one quart. I added 2 quarts (definitely not full) just to get by.

I haven't noticed any oil spots, no blue smoke, coolant was just replaced and level is steady.

How much will that cost me? Is it something I could trust a friend to do, the local grease monkey, or should I just go to the dealer?

You mean your car had one quart of oil in it????

Yeah,,,, what he said !!!!!!

Woah! i think what he means is that it was at the add 1 quart section of the dipstick.
Check your coolant for any signs of oil. this may indicate a leaky head gasket. also, a bad PCV valve can allow you to burn oil. especially while decelling. the blowby that goes into the head gets burnt and exits at the tailpipe. With a good PCV, the crank will vent all the fumes not allowing the blowby to enter the cumbustion chamber.

He said:

"I added 2 quarts (definitely not full) just to get by".

Sounds a lot more than quart low to me.

I'* say get it full, then check it several times a day if traveling to get a real feel for how much it'* ;osong.