Best time to check oil

[TerryWogan]

I was wondering, is it best to check the oil level via the dipstick when the car is completely cold or after it has been running for a short while to gain the most accurate reading?

 

[lordrobs]

I was wondering, is it best to check the oil level via the dipstick when the car is completely cold or after it has been running for a short while to gain the most accurate reading?

I've always been told to check it a few minutes after the engine has stopped running.

 

[valerian]

warm but not been running for a while

 

[happytechie]

I always check mine in the morning when it's cold so I can measure the static oil volume rather than the oil less the oil covering the engine's internals.

HT

 

[MrCake]

I always thought it was when the engine was cold, as if its warm then the oil level will seem lower than it actually is????

 

[merlin]

Hot or cold - oil will cling to the internals.

 

[Luke]

A few minutes after the engine has been switched off. This allows the levels to settle.

 

[Simon]

Anytime after about 30mins of driving or in the morning after leaving overnight. All the oil should be in the sump by then

 

[Cassius Clarke]

I was told by both the official ducati dealer and the porsche centre that you check when the enging is at operating temperature (obviously turn it off furst)

HTH

 

[L0rdMike]

Doesnt Oil expand when it heats up, im sure I checked the oil when the car was warm to find it half way up the dipstick.

 

[bullit in head]

I was told by both the official ducati dealer and the porsche centre that you check when the enging is at operating temperature (obviously turn it off furst)



that cos they run dry sumps...they need to be checked running....aprilia is the same


bullit

 

[Gaijin]

I have to do mine when it's cold as the viscosity is so low it just drips off the dipstick otherwise