NewCarBuyingGuide.Com

2 Questions-

1.  On 8/29- I took my '99 Chevy Prizm for an oil change to
a different location than I normally do, I was also buying
new tires.

This past Saturday, I took my car to get a regular oil
change.  I was told by the technician that there was no oil
in the oil pan, and only a few drops in the filter.  I had
no signs of low oil pressure, no sounds from my car, and no
smoke.  It ran fine, all the way to the shop.  They
suggested that I file a complaint against the place I took
the car to on 8/29. 

Many people have told me that most likely, there is no
damage to the car, as there was no sign of a problem before
I brought it in, and there are no signs now.  However, one
mechanic told me that even though there are no signs of a
problem, if there was really no oil in the oil pan, the
engine is junk, and I need to find another car, or rebuild
the engine.

I don't really think there could have been no oil in the
engine, as it should have seized up if it was that low.  I
don't know what is really going on, but something doesn't
add up- any ideas?

2nd Question-

The other day, my brother in law checked the oil on my
mom's 01 Hyundai Accent, to find only a quart of oil in
there.  He then did an oil change w/synthetic oil, and told
my mom that the prior place clearly hadn't done a change at
all.  She has filed a complaint.  He is telling her that
she needs to find another car, as hers having only a quart
will have done damage- is this true?  

How can both my mom & I get our cars checked out to find
out if there is damage or not?  I'm not sure what kind of
test would be done, but we both would prefer to have our
engines gone over prior to rushing out to buy other cars.
(she just paid off her car, and I'm about to pay off mine.)
 Does anyone have any suggestions for two very irritated
women?

Thanks for any help!

Checking your engine's dip stick at least monthly would have
confirmed that in fact oil was abscent or not. Your story
reminds of a co-worker who said his pick-up half ton didn't
have oil in it, in fact he said the dip stick showed a
bluish color from being so hot. He also joked that it would
probably quit if he put oil in it.
All joking asaide, put  oil in it and make sure  that the
fuse that controls this warning light works, it may be
abscent or burnt out.
About your mom's 01 Hyundai Accent, if you put in new oil
and it runs fine, you shouldn't need to do anything else,
other than change the air & oil filters as well. Just
remember to check the dipsticks regularly.
If more people would use synthetics, they would be able to
keep their cars longer than those who don't.    

     

This is a good place for a survey:
http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=hlgasj5q2ceifap260647

More than likely the place that did the oil change did
nothing wrong. 

How many miles did you drive between services?

For many manufacturers the amount of oil consumption that
is acceptable is a quart every 1000 miles. The Chevy prism
is a Toyota  in disguise. These engines only hold 3.5
quarts to begin with. 

We see this all time time with these vehicles. At the most
a half a quart will drain out. Fill them up and change the
filter and there fine. If the engine was "damaged or being
damaged it would be making some really bad noise.

If you would have read your owners manual it will tell you
how often it is recommended to check the oil. The place you
brought it for service is only responsible for filling it up
and making sure the drain plug is tight and the filter
doesn't leak. After that its your responsibility to make
sure it stays full!! 

Since MGillette's original post is almost a year old, it's
safe to say everything is going well or the car is history,
like the post.