Amount of oil to refill after an oil change can vary

[Dave T]

I changed the oil yesterday. Before, I added 6 quarts and found it overfilled. Last year, I added 5.8 quarts and found it full. Unlike before, for this oil change, I let it drain an hour and it was still dripping a little. I also used thin ramps which elevated the car a bit more than an inch (3 cm).

I initially added 5.7 quarts but after a drive of 2 miles, I found the oil low. So I added a little bit twice. Next time, I will keep careful watch over how much oil I put. I estimate that the car has 6.0 quarts added.

Bottom line: if you really let it drain a long time, more oil will drain out. If you only let it drain for about 10 minutes, a 2.0t with a capacity of 6.3 quarts will take about 5.7 quarts. If you let it drain for a full hour or more, it could be slightly over 6.0 quarts but I need to reconfirm that next time.

[CarbonFlash]

All good points.

Many oil change directions say to fill up to one quart less of capacity then top off as you did. So on our put in 5 quarts then check and top off. I do wonder why there is such variation? Maybe oil temps, filter, etc.