Topic: When is best to check your oil?

[bluedevil]

When is best to check the engine oil?  Cold or warm?

I would think when warm oil rises?

[KY_BOB]

I doubt that it expands enough to make a difference.  Just my opinion.


If it's been running, I always let mine set for a minute or two to let the oil get back to the pan before checking it.

[bluedevil]

I doubt that it expands enough to make a difference.  Just my opinion.


If it's been running, I always let mine set for a minute or two to let the oil get back to the pan before checking it.

So.....that being said,it doesnt matter then right?   Reason i ask is.....the blower makes noise like a bicycle with no grease in the bearings other than the whistle

[oHIobellboy]

we're supposed to check that stuff??? ,, actually, I always check mine when it's been sitting so all the oil is in the pan that's going to make it there.

[Flint 4X4]

I doubt that it expands enough to make a difference.  Just my opinion.


If it's been running, I always let mine set for a minute or two to let the oil get back to the pan before checking it.

Warm. If it's cold enough the oil won't drain quickly, it's always been standard practice. You need the warm oil to drip off the dip stick so just enough stays on it, owners manual likely says to check oil level while warm.

[justJR]

I always check mine warm after letting it settle to the pan for a minute or two. The warm or cold issue isn't quite as relevant with the synthetics but it is still stuck in my head to do this after all of the years of conventional oils in my hot rods over the years.

[boilers94]

I agree.  Check the oil when it's warm after letting the vehicle set for few minutes. 

[evilanche]

you can check oil any time hot or cold but if you check the oil right after you shut it off it may read alittle low only because the oil has to drain back down to the pan just make sure you put in 6 qts of mobil 1 5/30 in a 5.3 lol

[bluedevil]

you can check oil any time hot or cold but if you check the oil right after you shut it off it may read alittle low only because the oil has to drain back down to the pan just make sure you put in 6 qts of mobil 1 5/30 in a 5.3 lol

Yep....ive been using Royal Purple.

[oHIobellboy]

Last 2 oil changes with Synthetic I've been over a qt low when the change oil light comes on. Averaging 6500 miles per oil change but I'm not too crazy about it running low. I may go back to dino oil and the 3000 mile changes.

[TexasAVY]

I use Mobile 1 - I check it cold or warm after it has set a whiile...

[Main One]

Last 2 oil changes with Synthetic I've been over a qt low when the change oil light comes on. Averaging 6500 miles per oil change but I'm not too crazy about it running low. I may go back to dino oil and the 3000 mile changes.

At around 160,000 miles, I had to start adding oil before being prompted by the truck's computer.  Typically go 8000+ miles on oil before changing.  Been using Redline synthetic for last 150,000 miles or so.