I never really put much thought into it, though I've always checked the oil after it's been running for a while then shut it off because that's what the level is while there's still oil in the system as opposed to after letting the car sit overnight and having everything drip back down to the pan.
Check oil after its warmed up or when cold?
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Typically you're supposed to check warm but several minutes after shut down.
You WANT all of the oil in the pan, not the head, and you want it at a reasonably consistent temperature.
Your owner's manual should be specific.
You WANT all of the oil in the pan, not the head, and you want it at a reasonably consistent temperature.
Your owner's manual should be specific.
Most manufacturers say to let it sit a while before checking which would mean warm. Myself, I like consistency to know exactly what the level is to some degree and like to check it in the AM after it has been shut down for 6-12 hours. thus, cold and level surface is what I like as it is more predictable not necessarily best as oil does expand when hot and level will increase a notch or so on the dipstick. What ever lets you sleep at night
I also check mine cold
Check it warm. Oil expands with temperature, and sometimes filling it smack full when cold can lead to increased burn-off. Some engines/systems seem more sensitive than others in this area.
My Mazda owners manual says to check it hot, 5 minutes after shutdown.
I could never tell a difference between checking it hot or cold, 1 minute after shutdown or 24 hours after shutdown.
Speaking of oil expanding with heat, has anyone ever been caught off guard while heating up peanut oil in a turkey fryer? I couldn't believe my eyes...
I could never tell a difference between checking it hot or cold, 1 minute after shutdown or 24 hours after shutdown.
Speaking of oil expanding with heat, has anyone ever been caught off guard while heating up peanut oil in a turkey fryer? I couldn't believe my eyes...
Temp does not matter, really. It may show MORE warm but only by a bit. Depends moreso on yyour engine's specific dip tube design. My toyota diptube will cause false reading when hot, due to oil dragged up the tube - so I check that cold first thing in the morning with NO reinsertion. Now the subaru is a notorious tricky dip tube since it is UNDER THE OIL level and can be manipulated in to false high or low readings. SO I check this HOT after a ~ 1/2 hr drain back with a wipe and re-insertion. Not balck and white at all.
Auto transmission fluid has massive changes when read hot or cold.
Engines also change, but for some reason not as much. But it's there.
Cold checking is very consistent. Overnight means full drainback and a pretty even temperature.
If we check it warm/hot, a few minutes wait are needed first.
Engines also change, but for some reason not as much. But it's there.
Cold checking is very consistent. Overnight means full drainback and a pretty even temperature.
If we check it warm/hot, a few minutes wait are needed first.
why does manufacturers can't put on a DIC the oil level in the pan lets say when the key is at on, the engine not running? Like a line divided in quarters, the lower bar could be the "add" on the dipstick and the highest bar could be the "full-max" line on the dipstick.. I don't know
Is it doable or is it impossible? I'd really like to have a gauge telling me the oil level in my car.
Is it doable or is it impossible? I'd really like to have a gauge telling me the oil level in my car.
It should not make a difference really. My oil reads the same even if the engine is idleing believe it or not.
i check it whenever im about to leave town. weather its cold or warm, it does not matter to me, i check it. i always make sure its been sitting at least a couple minutes though.
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hot oil will read slightly higher. As long as you take that into account it doesn't matter. If checking hot let it sit for a good 5-10 minutes after engine shut down. Me? I check it both warm and cold... depending on what's going on. BUT, always on the same level surface... my garage.
Originally Posted By: Spykem4e
why does manufacturers can't put on a DIC the oil level in the pan lets say when the key is at on, the engine not running?
My Renault Fuego had an oil level gage - worked just as you described. The Only good thing about the car. Well the ride and handling were good ....
why does manufacturers can't put on a DIC the oil level in the pan lets say when the key is at on, the engine not running?
My Renault Fuego had an oil level gage - worked just as you described. The Only good thing about the car. Well the ride and handling were good ....
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It depends.
Most engines it doesn't matter. Some dipsticks confound reading ..show different readings on each side ..or just are a royal pain. Those I check cold just for the time saving feature. AFT? Fine if you haven't just added some. Otherwise, patience is required.
Most engines it doesn't matter. Some dipsticks confound reading ..show different readings on each side ..or just are a royal pain. Those I check cold just for the time saving feature. AFT? Fine if you haven't just added some. Otherwise, patience is required.
Originally Posted By: webfors
hot oil will read slightly higher. As long as you take that into account it doesn't matter. If checking hot let it sit for a good 5-10 minutes after engine shut down. Me? I check it both warm and cold... depending on what's going on. BUT, always on the same level surface... my garage.
Exactly.
This is what I do.
hot oil will read slightly higher. As long as you take that into account it doesn't matter. If checking hot let it sit for a good 5-10 minutes after engine shut down. Me? I check it both warm and cold... depending on what's going on. BUT, always on the same level surface... my garage.
Exactly.
I'm usually parked on level ground at my house, I check my oil in the morning. Fortunately after an OC all of my vehicles are exactly at the full mark the following day after an OC, that makes life a lot easier.
I check it cold to get an accurate reading and then allow for some expansion. So, it does not have to be at the very top of the dipstick, somewhere in the middle is fine. That way, when it's rechecked, it's very accurate to see how much was consumed.
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
I check it cold to get an accurate reading and then allow for some expansion. So, it does not have to be at the very top of the dipstick, somewhere in the middle is fine. That way, when it's rechecked, it's very accurate to see how much was consumed.
How so? The "cold" temperature (based on ambient weather, how long you've been parked) of your engine varies a lot more than the "hot" temperature (likely 90-100C) does.
I check it cold to get an accurate reading and then allow for some expansion. So, it does not have to be at the very top of the dipstick, somewhere in the middle is fine. That way, when it's rechecked, it's very accurate to see how much was consumed.
How so? The "cold" temperature (based on ambient weather, how long you've been parked) of your engine varies a lot more than the "hot" temperature (likely 90-100C) does.
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