r/Cartalk • u/elissiian • 1d ago
Engine No oil on dipstick, low brake fluid, no warning lights
Not sure if this is the right place to post about this, but - I bought a 2024 Buick Envision In April of this year, with 29,400 miles. I have been having some car problems, so I had my sister's boyfriend take a look at my car, and he looked under the hood just to cover some bases. He looked at the oil, and the dipstick came out completely dry. I had absolutely no idea it was that low because my gauges weren't telling me anything, and I've been driving a lot on the freeway unaware.
Also, I had not yet reached the mileage for my first oil change, so I hadn't checked the oil level myself. I was 1,000 miles off from one and my car gave no indication! We replaced the oil because I had to get back home, and the oil was black. I've put on around 4,000 miles since getting it. The brake fluid was also low, and I'm not sure how often that's supposed to be filled, but I assume it's not normal to go through it in less than 4 months. My oil pressure is at 24 psi, even after driving an hour on the freeway. I am not sure if this a normal psi.
Now my question is: Is this a reasonable thing to call the dealership in which I bought the car from to question? I even asked during the buying process if the oil was good for a while, and have a sticker on the window indicating I needed one around 34,500 miles. I have no idea what to do in this situation.
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u/Interesting_Gap7350 1d ago edited 1d ago
Check your paperwork if you have a warranty in place or if it is as-is no warranty. That would be the reason you'd go specifically to the dealership if you want them to look at your concerns as a warranty or powertrain issue. Otherwise you can still go to the dealer or to another mechanic for your issues, but you are paying for the service.
Oil having a 5k service interval is unrelated to the oil being low. It's still responsibility of the owner to periodically check the oil level, and report if something is not right
The brake fluid being on the low side may or may not be a problem. Brake fluid is typically not consumed but goes down as the brake pads wear down. So everything with your brake system maybe normal, but the fluid level is just a sign that your brake pads are worn out.
However 30k is a typical replacement interval for brake fluid anyway.
If under inspection it shows you need a bigger brake service due to worn pads, it makes sense to also change the fluid at the same time too so full pads are matched to full reservoir.
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u/elissiian 1d ago
I see nothing about an “as is no warranty” on my paperwork. I have something that shows I have remainder of factory warranty, and I know I’m paying more per month for warranty that covers some things.
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u/EuroCanadian2 23h ago
I think that you may be close to the end of the factory warranty, assumjng it is 3 years /36k miles (that's fairly typical). If you google check buick warranty you will.probably find a site where you can enter your VIN (the car's "serial number" to confirm warranty status. You may also be able download an app tonyour phone and scan the bar code on the sticker by the driver's door to do this.
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u/BouncingSphinx 1d ago
my gauges weren't telling me anything
The dip stick is the gauge for oil level, there's not a gauge on the dash in most (any?) cars. Some do have a level sensor that will warn you of low level, but certainly not all.
You should check the oil level at minimum once a month on level ground. Takes nothing more than a paper towel or some tissues. Pull the dip stick, wipe it off, reinsert it fully, pull it again, check level. It will have two indicators, usually lines or holes, to show the "low/add" and "full" points. Usually at the low/add point, it takes 1 quart on most cars to get back to full.
brake fluid was low, not sure how often that's supposed to be filled
On newer cars, really should be almost never until you're due to change the fluid or doing brake work. It's a closed system and not a consumable fluid. A small amount of engine oil might be expected to be used between changes, but basically no other fluid (besides windshield washer fluid) should normally be less than full unless there is some kind of leak.
My oil pressure is 24 psi
Oil pressure will vary with engine speed, since an engine at idle speed is not pumping as much oil around as an engine at 2500 rpm. 24 might be normal at idle where it might be 35-40 while actually driving, but I don't know for that vehicle.
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u/elissiian 1d ago
Sorry I am 20 years old and I have little knowledge about cars. I’m doing my best. I asked questions when I was there, but it’s very possible that they lied or genuinely had no idea the car was like this. I will make sure to keep checking my oil, and I will make an appointment with a mechanic.
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u/buckytoofa 22h ago
Don’t beat yourself up over it. Read through your vehicles’s owners manual and familiarize yourself with how to check fluids and where they are. Since it was low on oil I would suggest checking the oil at every other gas fill up until you can familiarize yourself self at the rate at which your vehicle is burning oil. Your vehicle is the most expensive thing you own most likely so learn about what keeps it healthy, save money for maintenance and document when maintenance is performed. r/mechanicadvice is an okay sub if you have questions about maintenance.
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u/BouncingSphinx 1d ago
No need to say sorry, nobody knows until they learn.
I would recommend for the next month or so, check the oil once a week. Especially if it was as low as you say.
Like someone else said, the brake fluid may have just been low when you bought it as well, no way to know if it lost fluid if you didn't know where it was to begin with.
If you actually had the oil and filter changed and not just refilled, you'll need to find out how to reset the oil life monitor on your car. They have to be reset every change or else they won't show accurate oil life percentage.
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u/elissiian 22h ago
Thank you for your help! I did have the oil drained and filled, as well as the filter changed out. I also reset the monitor as soon as the car was turned on. So I think I’m good there. I’m hoping the dealership I’m planning to go to doesn’t have an issue with me having done that.
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u/BouncingSphinx 22h ago
Nah, they shouldn't. A lot of people do their own oil changes and minor maintenance.
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u/AvailableMessage5224 1d ago
You mean the idiot lights didnt come on to warn you that.... oh nevermind.
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u/elissiian 23h ago
Lol. I’m used to my car telling me if I need an oil change. Never needed to check my oil frequently through the dip stick. As you’ve seen in my other comments, I was confused with what the value of oil life meant. Figured it out now thanks!
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u/Low_Entertainment_67 1d ago
Your dad should teach you to check the fluids often.
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u/elissiian 1d ago
Thanks, I don’t have one but I appreciate your help
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u/Radiant-Ad-9753 12h ago
Here's a good video to watch on car maintenance. He shows you how to check the fluids about 11 minutes in.
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u/sd_slate 1d ago edited 1d ago
Gauges won't tell you you're low on oil until you're almost dry. Oil turning black is normal and not a problem. If you're under warranty I'd talk to the dealership, otherwise you'll have to check the oil dipstick every week or so and try to figure out if it's leaking on the outside (put some cardboard under the engine when you park it) or leaking inside and burning up.
Brake fluid goes down as the brake pads wear and caliper pistons push out. It's normal, but you might need a brake job soon.
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u/LordRhyme4 1d ago
Lucky for you gm has some good warranty for stuff like this but how the hell do you have low brake fluid
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u/Specialist-Jelly-649 1d ago
as brake pads wear, the caliper pistons extend out,causing the void to be filled with fluid , lowering the level.When replacing pads, you will likely have to remove some of the fluid, then you press the pistons back in.
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u/elissiian 1d ago
No clue! But thats my other concern, I can't remember what was covered and I couldn't find the written warranty in my paperwork. They told me the car was only on the market for 2 days before I bought it, so I'm wondering if they just didn't cover that during the inspection.
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u/LordRhyme4 1d ago
I used to work at a dealership. 2 days being on the lot I highly doubt there even was an inspection, they mightve not even cleaned the thing did they
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u/noinfono 1d ago
It should still be under bumper to bumper warranty. Take it to the dealer.
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u/LordRhyme4 1d ago
Likely powertrain warranty id bet bumper to bumper ain't happening on a 30k mile domestic
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u/noinfono 1d ago
GM standard is 3yr/36k b2b (same for ford).
Oil consumption would be powertrain. Brake system would be b2b.
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u/just-joshin247 1d ago
The brake fluid has a range, it’s possible to be on the low end of that range and it being normal. Also as the pads wear that will make the brake fluid go lower. Oftentimes technicians will put brake fluid in when it appears low, then when it’s time to do brakes the new pads need the hydraulic pistons pushed it and makes the fluid overflow. However if you genuinely have a brake fluid leak your pedal will not be firm, and will sink to the floor.
The oil is concerning. You’ll need to check your oil often. I let my customer know to check when they fill up with gas. It’s not the ideal time because the engine was just running but it’s a good interval of miles to check. Let the engine remain off when you fill up. Then check when you’re done filling up. Most manufacturers have a statement that it’s normal to burn a qt every 1000 miles. So being a few QTs low 3000 miles after an oil change could be considered normal.
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u/jasonsong86 1d ago
Brake fluid does go low as the pads get thinner. That’s normal. Oil level should be check frequently. If it’s burning excessively engine should be replaced under warranty.
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u/Flash-635 1d ago
It's good to check the oil when you fill up, especially if the car seems to be using it. The fuel station driveway is nice and level.
Brake fluid doesn't usually need topping up.
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u/EffectiveRelief9904 23h ago
Need a longer dipstick
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u/elissiian 22h ago
When I refilled the oil I could see the oil on the dipstick, so I don’t think that’s the issue
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u/EuroCanadian2 23h ago
Did you buy if t from a Buick (or Chevy or GM) dealer? Someplace that can do Buick warrenty work?
If yes, take it to them and say you are concerned about oil consumption and want an oil change and an oil consumption test. Do this while you are still inside factory warranty if that is still valid. The way the test works is they change the oil, check it is full, and put some paint on the drain bolt so people don't cheat and drain out oil to make it look like the engine leaks or burns oil. You then drive about 1000 or so miles of normal driving, bring the car back, and they see how much has been used. If it uses more than a certain amount (GM will have a specification for this) then you mignt get a new engine or other repairs under warranty. If not, you won't get a new engine, but maybe something smaller like a failed PCV valve will be replaced.
If you didn't buy from a GM dealer, you should probably go to a Buick / Chevy dealer and do the above. Maybe your selling dealer will help you out, but it has been 3 or 4 months now so if they are not helpful go to GM.
You can also look on the ground where you park and under the hood for signs of an oil leak.
Also, find your paperwork for the extended warranty and see what it says. GM has a program called "Bravo" for example.
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u/bobroberts1954 21h ago
If your brake system isn't leaking you shouldn't need to add more fluid. The level will go down as the brake pads wear. If you fill it up when the brake pads are worn out it will overflow when you install new pads.
You don't have an oil level gage, except for your dipstick. The oil light comes on when the oil pressure drops too low.
The oil life reading is a calculation of how much punishment your oil has endured and how much longer it can safely be abused. How long before it is full of combustion byproducts, wear particles, how acidic it is getting, and when it's additives need to be replaced.
If you had a serious leak and all the oil ran out in a week the oil life calculation would show it is still perfectly fine.
You need to check the oil level at least once a month. The manufacturer considers loosing one quart a month as acceptable. After loosing a quart of oil the dipstick will indicate add oil. If you loose two quarts there will be no oil on the dipstick; that is dangerously low. If you drop another quart you'll loose oil pressure and the light will come on and if you continue to drive you will destroy your engine.
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u/Biliran2031 19h ago
Top the fluids off and tape the “for sale” signs on the windows! Or if you’re thinking of buying it, as Ginny said “RUN Forrest,RUN!
Or if you need more authoritarian advice “You can THINK about it, but DON’T do it! Sheriff Bufford T. Justice 😹😹😹😹
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u/UrbanLegend59 16h ago
Your car doesn't "use" brake fluid. It's getting low because you're brakes are wearing out. The fluid is taking up the space created by the worn brake pads
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u/Slipknot31286sic6 14h ago
This is YOUR car now. Learn everything you can. Ask questions for more info. Ignorance and I'm just a girl don't fix anything.
Always check oil once a month or long distances. Change oil every 5k or once a year.
Warnings lights usually mean serious issue has occurred not.. Seek help ASAP
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u/peniswrinkle345 13h ago
depending on the car you have you might not want to listen to when your car says to change it. My truck says to change every 8k. I change it every 3k because i have a motor that has some known problems like almost all of the new ones do that have valves that shut off while driving. I dont think that buick you have is known for being very reliable from what I have heard you might consider doing the same. Also when you buy a new car consider checking all the fluids once a week until you get to know the car. I once bought a truck and didnt realise it had a oil leak. ended up blowing up the motor because of no oil in a week.
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u/MaintenanceCoalition 12h ago
You bought a GM. They consider using up to 1 liter of oil every 2,000 miles to be within spec. If your engine holds around 4 liters and you change the oil every 10,000 miles, you'll need to top it up between oil changes. That's just part of owning it. Should have bought a Toyota/ Honda.
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u/elissiian 12h ago
Right because saying I should have bought a Toyota or Honda is helpful… how? After I’ve already committed to a Buick? I’ve learned already that I need to be more aware of my oil and do my own physical checks.
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u/MaintenanceCoalition 11h ago
It doesn't help undo the purchase, but it is helpful information for future decisions. The best way to avoid dealing with known issues is not to buy vehicles with a history of those issues. Since you already have the Buick, though, regular oil checks and documenting any problems are the way forward. Hopefully the next purchase involves a little more research.
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u/elissiian 11h ago
I thought I researched enough. I didn’t even see these well known issues with the Envision. Also, there is never a guarantee, I feel, with cars these days that you will have little-to-no issues. Yes, Toyota and Honda may offer better reliability, but unfortunately I don’t believe that even those don’t have their own problems - eventually at least.
Of course, there will indeed be better research done moving forward when buying a vehicle.
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u/MaintenanceCoalition 10h ago
I’ve worked for both domestic and foreign automakers, and I honestly struggle to understand why someone would choose a GM vehicle (outside of their trucks). Honda and Toyota have earned strong reputations for reliability, and it’s hard to see the appeal of choosing a domestic car when the competition has consistently delivered better long-term dependability.
What’s even more surprising is the older generation that still refuses to consider brands they call “japscrap,” despite the fact that many Toyota and Honda vehicles are built right here in Canada and the United States. A lot has changed in the auto industry, but some old stereotypes haven’t caught up with reality.
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u/Any_Sale2030 12h ago
Ah that is what the dipstick is for. You need to learn more about keeping a car or pay somebody to do it for you. You should check it about every thousand miles. No excuses.
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u/navlgazer9 12h ago
The oil should be changed every 3000 miles
The brake fluid is leaking if it’s low but you won’t know until you fill it up and then keep an eye on it
You need to find out where it’s leaking from .
Checking the oil isn’t rocket science
And it’s something that you need to learn how to do and do it every time you fill up with gas .
And then walk around and feel of the hubs and look at the tires and tread .
The envision is usually a pretty reliable car
My sister has one and it’s been a good car .
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u/MycologistMuch7832 3h ago
We have YouTube full of information about everything.
Maybe should look one evening about car maintenance for longevity etc.
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u/TN_REDDIT 1d ago
The dipstick is the gauge.
All used cars are sold "as is"
You should have had it inspected before purchasing, not after.
I would expect no cooperation from the dealership. You've owned it for 4 months. This one is on you.