The myth: my car never uses oil and water

[Tinonline]

I'm plagued by short mileage as Dads taxi and the pleasure of a few long journeys. 

Often I exercise the car...

oil consumption at 867 miles since last oil change approx 400 - 500 ml.

Coolant: topped up from low to max although this mileage is more like  3k plus. No leaks evident although I will replace the expansion cap. Recent belt and water pump change ...filled the correct way but still settling?

do add your realistic consumption here 😃

 

 

 

 

[steve2006]

Present mileage on mine is around 82,000 annual mileage 3000, oil change is now yearly and top up maybe 100 ml between changes.

 

Always use fully synthetic 5W30.

My coolant level remains constant although as you mention it does take time to resettle after a full change.

[oldhazey]

Have never topped up coolant in 3 years,approx 12000 miles,oil topped up between yearly changes approx 1 ltr no leaks,i do stretch its legs from time to time

[mikeyv]

Never used any fluids at all in over three years, though I do an oil change every year, so only about 4  thousand miles between changes.

Also did a coolant drain and refill with toyota red last year, but level was fine, and still is.

Long trips set cruise to around 80 on speedo, and generally like to press on, but always warm her up before lifting the skirts, so to speak.

[oldhazey]

Well mine has nearly 200,000 miles on her so expected

 

[Tinonline]

Interesting: I use fully synthetic and I get similar fluid requirements from my 4 ltr Jag S type... Mileage and traffic conditions must be relevant here. 

I'll keep a check...car runs A1...

[Colin M]

I have never needed to top the oil up on either of my cars, although as each car only does about 3000 miles a year that is perhaps not surprising.

The coolant has only needed a minor top up to keep the level between the min and max - perhaps a cupful a year.

[runsgrateasanut]

The coolant top up is only necessary because the expansion tanks on 400's can develop a minor leak owing the the temperature gauge being rather tightly installed. Not enough to worry about, but I do have a spare tank just in case the leak gets worse.

Never put in any oil between changes. Mileage 8000 a year. Change annually.

[Bluesman]

I only do around 7000 miles a year and she is serviced annually, oil level always OK between services, never had to put any extra in. Mike. 

[cruisermark]

in 8 years if lexus ownership (MK3, Mk4 and ls430) - very rarely do i check the fluids - it gets serviced on the dot every year and have needed to top up or noticed any loss of fluids

[Tulpen]

In all the years I had the 400, I never needed to top-up the coolant or oil between annual servicing. Now I have a 460 with TPMS.........so I don't have to top up the tyres either.

Mind you, I do lift the bonnet now and again........just to admire the engineering :) 

[Scribe]

I understand it's good to lift the bonnet of a 400 from time to time just to keep the struts working, especially when the weather's cold.

[mikeyv]

I lift the bonnet regularly, check my levels, clean out any muck ,leaves etc, visual check as I go round with an oily rag, giving it a quick rub over the dusty bits.

I prefer the look of an oily rag valet under the bonnet, to the over shiny look you often find on cars for sale, especially on an old car, like mine.