Check Oil Warm or Cold

[totegoat]

I check fluids, belts, etc. while my engines are cold. Has worked for me over many years and many vehicles. I've added more washer fluid than motor oil by far.

 

[ATex7239]

I don’t ever notice a difference cold or 10 mins post shutdown after running at op temp so either seems reasonably to me.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I generally check the nut behind the wheel and call it good.

 

[Plawan]

I was just YouTubing and I saw the Car Care Nut say to not check your oil after it sits overnight but rather check it after it warms up and
sits for a few minutes. He said if you checked after it got "cold" and you adjusted to the full mark that you would actually be over filling
you engine with oil. I always check my oil cold. Especially after it sits in garage over night. Have I been wrong all these 50+ years?

Splitting hairs

 

[cryptolyme]

on my Civic, the oil level reads higher when cold. guess that's different than most engines. owner's manual says to check it when warm approximately three minutes after shutting off engine.

 

[kschachn]

on my Civic, the oil level reads higher when cold. guess that's different than most engines.

I would think so.