Should the Oil Level Be Checked When the Engine is Cold or Hot?
2 Answers
Oil level should be checked when the engine is cold. Below are the reasons for checking the oil level when the engine is cold and how to properly read the oil dipstick: Reasons: Before starting the car, especially if it has been driven by someone else, the first thing to do is to check whether there is oil in the engine; if there is no oil in the engine, starting it rashly will cause irreversible damage to the engine within two minutes, and the engine bearings will be burned out within five minutes, completely ruining the engine. How to read the oil dipstick: Park the car on level ground, turn off the engine, and wait for more than an hour. The oil clinging to the surfaces of the components will almost completely flow back into the oil pan, and the oil dipstick will then display the standard oil level for the engine.
When it comes to checking the oil dipstick, my 20+ years of driving experience has taught me that it's best to inspect it when the engine is cold. After sitting overnight, the oil completely cools down and drains back to the bottom of the oil pan. This way, when you pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check again, the oil level reading will be more accurate and reliable. If you check immediately after driving while the engine is still hot, the oil may still be circulating throughout the engine and hasn't fully drained back, potentially giving you a falsely high reading that could mislead you into overfilling - which can actually harm your engine. I make it a habit to park on level ground every morning before heading out and spend just one minute checking the dipstick. Remember to also observe the oil's color - if it appears black or thin, it might be time for an oil change. Doing this regularly helps prevent engine wear caused by low oil levels, especially in older vehicles. Developing this cold-engine checking routine is a simple yet effective way to protect your car and save on major repair costs. Don't get lazy - checking weekly certainly won't hurt.
