What is the appropriate oil level when the engine is cold?
2 Answers
The oil level when the engine is cold should be above 3/4 of the range between the upper and lower marks. Here is some extended knowledge about engine oil: 1. Classification: Mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil. The classification is mainly based on the differences in base oils. Generally, mineral oil uses Group II and Group III base oils, semi-synthetic oil uses Group III and Group IV base oils, and full synthetic oil uses Group IV and Group V base oils. 2. Lubrication effectiveness: Mineral oil has the poorest performance, full synthetic oil performs the best, and semi-synthetic oil falls between the two. 3. Oil change intervals: Mineral oil is typically changed every 5,000 kilometers, semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers, and full synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers. If the vehicle has been parked for more than three months, it is recommended to change the oil before use.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, let me tell you that checking the oil when the engine is cold is the most accurate method. Before heading out in the morning, pop the hood, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to check the oil level. Ideally, the oil mark should be in the middle of the crosshatched area. If it's below the minimum mark, you must top it up. Exceeding the maximum mark can actually harm the engine. I've seen people who, trying to save time, fill it up when the engine is cold, only to trigger the oil pressure warning on the highway—too much oil causes the crankshaft to overheat from excessive agitation. If you pull the dipstick right after turning off the engine, the oil hasn't fully drained back into the oil pan, and the reading can be off by half a centimeter. Also, remember that parking on a slope will give an inaccurate reading, so always find level ground. Checking the oil when the engine is cold actually takes just three minutes—don't believe those who say you have to leave it overnight.