Prefer way of checking oil level.?

Chan Chee Hoe · 10-22-2009, 05:46 AM

Hi Friends,good morning,can i know which is the prefer way of checking engine oil level,1]warmed up engine,stop it rest for 15 mins or 2]On the morning,overnight before engine is start.?thanks.

JungleB · 10-22-2009, 06:39 AM

It's easier to check when the engine is cold because the oil is thicker, which means it won't run off the dipstick making it easier to see. I'm not aware of oil expanding enough while hot to make a difference in the reading. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a different story, check your manual on how to check that.

kannibul · 10-22-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleB

It's easier to check when the engine is cold because the oil is thicker, which means it won't run off the dipstick making it easier to see. I'm not aware of oil expanding enough while hot to make a difference in the reading. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a different story, check your manual on how to check that.

Generally with AT fluid, check it with the car running on a level surface after the engine has warmed up.

But, check the manual just to be sure.

cab83_750 · 10-23-2009, 01:39 AM

Warm or cold would be best.

My trick, at least in my car, is to reinsert the dipstick with the dimples facing the car. When I pull it out, one side always shows the oil level clearly and accurately...try it!

Nick911sc · 10-23-2009, 10:18 AM

Make sure your car is on a level surface. If I don't roll my car to the bottom of the driveway it'll show as if I have almost no oil in my car when the level is perfectly fine. My driveway is NOT a steep incline either.

Blown32 · 10-23-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chan Chee Hoe

Hi Friends,good morning,can i know which is the prefer way of checking engine oil level,1]warmed up engine,stop it rest for 15 mins or 2]On the morning,overnight before engine is start.?thanks.

The best way is check it in the morning before starting as long as it is on a level surface.Very simple to do.No special tricks or science to check the oil.
I believe you had the right idea with #2.

kenchan · 10-23-2009, 11:25 AM

i check my oil when the engine is cold... like after sitting all night.

pull out dipstick, wipe, dip it back, wait 3-4 sec, pull out, read.

10-22-2009, 05:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chan Chee Hoe Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Singapore Posts: 861 Drives: 370z,Yellow,7sp A Rep Power: 17	Prefer way of checking oil level.? Hi Friends,good morning,can i know which is the prefer way of checking engine oil level,1]warmed up engine,stop it rest for 15 mins or 2]On the morning,overnight before engine is start.?thanks.

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10-22-2009, 06:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
JungleB Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: PA Posts: 76 Drives: 96 VW Passat GLX Rep Power: 15	It's easier to check when the engine is cold because the oil is thicker, which means it won't run off the dipstick making it easier to see. I'm not aware of oil expanding enough while hot to make a difference in the reading. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a different story, check your manual on how to check that.

10-23-2009, 01:39 AM	#4 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 417	Warm or cold would be best. My trick, at least in my car, is to reinsert the dipstick with the dimples facing the car. When I pull it out, one side always shows the oil level clearly and accurately...try it!

10-23-2009, 10:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	Make sure your car is on a level surface. If I don't roll my car to the bottom of the driveway it'll show as if I have almost no oil in my car when the level is perfectly fine. My driveway is NOT a steep incline either.

10-23-2009, 11:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	i check my oil when the engine is cold... like after sitting all night. pull out dipstick, wipe, dip it back, wait 3-4 sec, pull out, read.