How Level Is Level For an Oil Change?

[JerryBob]

Now that my 2 year dealer oil changes are up on my truck, I want to make sure that I do a good oil change. My driveway is not completely level. This being BITOG, I decided to measure it. The elevation at the front tire in the photo is about 4 inches.

Is this enough of an incline to worry about? My wife's minivan has the drain plug in the back of the pan, so facing inwards, it would drain fine.

But the plug on my trick is right in the middle of the pan.

I guess I could stair-step some 2x12s, and then maybe a 1x12 to get it up to 4". Or just take my floor jack and raise it the front after it has started draining (and I am not underneath).

Or I could just not worry about it. What would BITOGers do?

TRUCK

 

[GutsyGecko]

Forget about it. It's fine,

 

[ThirdeYe]

I wouldn't worry about it. When I changed the oil in the Firebird, I did it in our driveway which has a slight slope to it. No issues at all. Just make sure to chock the wheels and set the e-brake and you'll be fine.

 

[actionstan]

I would park the truck the other way(opposite of the picture) and let the oil drain, OR change it on the road in front of your house.. if that's allowed in your neighborhood, and if the road is more level.

 

[Doog]

You have nothing to worry about. Change away!

 

[Kuato]

Drain plug in exact center of pan on the bottom? If it is a concern for you then a couple of 2x12s like you said is a good idea.

 

[Vikas]

Check the oil level while parked facing other way. Then note the difference between the two. If it is significant, then you know your reading is affected by the not so level ground.

 

[901Memphis]

I would just proceed as normal and let as much drain and possible then rock the truck back and forth and get the rest out

I like how my drain plugs are in the back of the pan so when i drive on ramps it's angled more and seems to get more out.

 

[PF52]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis

I like how my drain plugs are in the back of the pan so when i drive on ramps it's angled more and seems to get more out.


I like it too... My driveway goes downhill towards the garage so when its time to change the oil, I just back in to get the additional benefit of having the oil drain out (and downhill) from the back side of the pan. Genius!

 

[KitaCam]

If the car ain't level you won't get a correct level on the dipstick...find a flat parking space.

 

[sicko]

Don't worry about it, for engine oil your driveway is fine. I'm a bit more picky when checking my transmission fluid though.

 

[KitaCam]

I guess it depends on the car...in mine, a tilt back reads differently than a tilt forward.

 

[another Todd]

My Ford dipsticks read a half quart low when on my driveway nose up, full when on the level. The drain plug faces the rear, so it is perfect for draining on the driveway (into a pan of course). Each vehicle may be a little different so you have to evaluate each one and determine its characteristics.

 

[kschachn]

My BMW is very sensitive to angles, on the driveway it is significantly off the mark. My Toyotas on the other hand are relatively insensitive and don't change a lot between the garage and driveway.

I noticed the other day that the Toyota service manuals give a maximum angle for checking, I don't recall the number but it was there.

 

[Vikas]

It will depend upon where in relation to the drain pan the measuring stick enters. If it is near the left to right center line of the pan, the measure will not be affected by the front to back level. If it enters at the corner, it will be.

 

[KitaCam]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
It will depend upon where in relation to the drain pan the measuring stick enters.


No it doesn't...the manufacturer designs the system for measuring oil on the dipstick with that in mind...and if the owner's manual say FLAT, then flat it is...people over-thinking FLAT is just crazy.

 

[Merkava_4]

With the drain plug located in the middle of the pan, you're gonna have to get the truck level to drain all the oil out. That's ideal for oil changes at the dealer, but for the DIY guy, it creates an extra hassle. It's best to have the drain plug located at the back of the pan.