How much time should I wait to check the oil after shutting the car down? Stay strong
Checking the Oil
- Thread starter jerseyguy123
- Start date
On a normal vehicle, ten to fifteen minutes is plenty of time. Some vehicles, Ford I think, have a longer time to wait. I find it safe to check after five minutes hot and just coming off the highway.
I also fine a difference in level between checking cold and hot (like an auto trans). I check mine hot.
I also fine a difference in level between checking cold and hot (like an auto trans). I check mine hot.
I wonder how many engines had too much oil after stopping at a full-service gas station in "the good old days".
I remember working at my Uncle's Union 76 Station as a kid. We checked the air pressure in the customers' tires as well as the oil while I was filling their tank with gas. I remember pulling the dipstick and telling (and sometimes showing) the customer, "You're about 1 quart low..."
Ed
I remember working at my Uncle's Union 76 Station as a kid. We checked the air pressure in the customers' tires as well as the oil while I was filling their tank with gas. I remember pulling the dipstick and telling (and sometimes showing) the customer, "You're about 1 quart low..."
Ed
What does your owners manual say? Most say bring the car up to operating temp, then wait at least 5 mins for the oil to drain back down and check it. I get the oil hot, and wait about 10 mins before checking it.
You could check it cold, but don't be surprised if the level is a tad below the full mark.
You could check it cold, but don't be surprised if the level is a tad below the full mark.
We had huge issues with his when I was in engine design. Heads hold a lot of oil on new engines. If you have to check it hot I would wait 15min for sure.
Which Fords? Or all of them? Why would they be different?
Last edited:
'Most say'? I've never seen one that says that.
I always check in the morning dead cold. There are vehicles that call to be checked hot though. Harley motorcycles (dry sump) should be checked hot.
Every car is different. Check your OM.
I check mine after sitting overnight, or at least 4 hours--like at lunchtime while at work, when I just want an excuse to go outside. Just easiest that way.
I'm sure there is some exotic out there that has to be checked 3 minutes after shutting down--or while running--but I'm not sure this method fails on any other engine. Reading the owners manual is best but... this seems like a fail-safe way. [Ok, I see Lyman's thread about Harley's being checked hot, got me there.] I also don't think +/-0.5 quart on the typical auto sump will matter, not unless if you have a 3 quart sump, and even then it likely doesn't matter.
I'm sure there is some exotic out there that has to be checked 3 minutes after shutting down--or while running--but I'm not sure this method fails on any other engine. Reading the owners manual is best but... this seems like a fail-safe way. [Ok, I see Lyman's thread about Harley's being checked hot, got me there.] I also don't think +/-0.5 quart on the typical auto sump will matter, not unless if you have a 3 quart sump, and even then it likely doesn't matter.
I check mine cold. I think both manuals say three mins after shut down. There can’t be much difference hot or cold.
Actually there can be. 1/4 of qt I'd say.
What is this strange “OM” you speak of? I suspect 99.9% of US owners have never heard of it.
Not all cars say check it after the car has been at operating temperature, but many do.
Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Inspecting Engine Oil Level
Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Inspecting Engine Oil Level
- Be sure the vehicle is on a level surface.
- Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature.
- Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to return to the oil pan.
- Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it fully.
It's what I repeat to myself after too much time on BiTOG
buster nailed it. Ed
On my Rogue the difference between hot ↑ (10 minutes after shut down) and cold ↓ (first thing in the morning) is about 1/8 inch on the dip stick.