When to top off oil

Any thoughts on when to top off the oil level? At some point I got it in my
head to let an engine use down to the lower mark and then add 1 whole quart
at a time. Just checked my oil on my lunch break and see I'm making my
anticipated travel down the cross hatches exactly on schedule. Any reason
not to run to the low mark, or should I nurse it up around the top mark as
much as possible?? Thanks.

 

At the low mark I believe it would be about a quart low. Too low in my
opinion. I would just check it regularly and add as needed.

 

The closer you keep the oil to its correct level, the more oil is present
to absorb heat and contaminants.

I add every half-quart, which is every thousand miles right now.

 

Agreed, my I4 Accord sedan only carries 4.4 quarts, so I wouldn't wait
until it was a full quart low. Besides, individual bottles of oil have
screw tops now, so there's no problem saving the unused oil until it's
needed.

 

I try to keep mine topped off, certainly never letting it get more than
halfway down the area between full and add. In theory what you are
doing is ok as it is by the book, but I figure that with all the engine
oil needs to do it is good to keep the full compliment available.

John