My dipstick measures 2 qts from low to full, with intermediate markings. I top off when it's at the halfway mark. I also keep my 1L top-off bottles 3/4 full to make them easier to pour. This way, I know there's minimal risk of overfilling.
Originally Posted By: pbm
I feel that the closer the oil is to full the better off the engine will be.
Look at this that way...the closer to the full mark....the more oil is there to cope with heat (cooling of the engine)...that is especially important in TURBO engines...
If you are beating your engine with the oil on L mark...you will burn existing amount in the sump pretty soon...to the extent that oil mix wont be adequate (lubricity) even if you will top it of after that...
4 and never below. If below than I find the source of the leak and fix it. So far the front main seal was the culprit the worse issue other than leaky drain plug gaskets.