Check oil after its warmed up or when cold?

[mechtech2]

Some Mfrs do have oil level monitors.
Since modern cars use so little oil, it probably is considered an unnecessary gauge by the rest.

 

[Spykem4e]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Some Mfrs do have oil level monitors.
Since modern cars use so little oil, it probably is considered an unnecessary gauge by the rest.


you should call cadillac and tell them that modern cars use so little oil! They will laugh at you! lol

In my cts, I have an oil level sensor that tells me when I'm low on oil only when the ignition is at the "on" position, engine not running and I have to wait for about 10 seconds, before that, its not activated/nothing show up on the DIC. Also, when the check oil level shows up on the DIC, it means that I'm down to almost 3qt on a 6qt sump. That is sad.

Don't worry, I never let the oil level below the "add" on the dipstick. I check every 2 times I go for fuel, it means that I check the oil at least once a week. I tested the oil level sensor when I was doing my oil change to see if it worked. I was adding 1/2qt per 1/2qt until the message disappear.

 

[SpitfireS]

IMO its important to have the car level.
Especially with the east/west mounted engines.
And yes, wait a few minutes if the engine has been running.

My manual tells me to check the oil level every fuel fill-up.
Checking it regularly is more important to them (Honda) than the temp you're checking it at.
Allthough you could say they want you to check it warm because you're driving to the gas station.

My car is parked in a garage at night and the floor is level.
So that's where I check it.
When the engine is cold.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
My CLK (and my last two Benzes) has a level sensor that is activated for checking at startup and automatically at low level. No dipstick! Level can be checked hot after countdown!

The Boxster has a dispstick and a level sensor that is activated in the first four-five seconds at startup. It is automatically activated at each fuel up. The level remains shown for about 20 seconds after starting after fuel up. As with the CLK the level can be checked when hot, there is a countdown timer so that a false reading cannot be taken

All cars have a set point for warm or cold oil level deliberations - usually in the Handbook

Subarus can give false readings unless cold or the engine stopped for some time. My DD Series 60s needed about 20 minutes to "drain back". A false reading could lead to an 8 litre or so overfilling. For this reason these engines were each let find "their individual level" when cold and the oil's level adjusted at that point - to halfway (low-add) on the dipstick. As well the ECM controls oil level and temperature thru the engine "Warning", "Powerdown" and Stop sequences

Over many many years experience I have learned that cold readings are best unless an alternative is given by the engine's manufacturer. This relates to warranty claims, incorrect dipsticks from assembly, exchanged dipsticks and etc. etc. and all else in between!

 

[DragRace]

Cold

 

[rcy]

You're supposed to check your oil? Check for what?

Anyway, I used to own a Honda motorcycle and it had a sight glass for checking the oil. Wonder why car makers can't come up with something like that? It would be easier than pulling a dipstick, wiping it down...etc etc. I guess the pan is too low for something like this to work anyway.

 

[NolanGrayson]

My dipstick doesn't grab onto hot oil very well so I read it when it's cold.

 

[Bigsyke]

I think you would want to wait about 15 minutes, and no longer than a few hours for the simple fact that alot of anti-drain back valves will not seal perfectly, and with using an oversized oil filter this can really short change your oil pan by about 1/2qt.

I can do mine cold because I only use purolator pure1's and all I have tested pass the pressure test and I dont have cold starts like I did with wix.

 

[arkainzeye]

its funny all my motorcycles i have owned say to check it warm. i never seen anything on my cars..

 

[Bigsyke]

Originally Posted By: arkainzeye
its funny all my motorcycles i have owned say to check it warm. i never seen anything on my cars..


Check the FSM,

Mine on page MA-13 says check the level cold, run engine for a few minutes then turn it off. After several minutes, check oil level.

 

[oliveoil]

Cold on level ground.