when you check oil level in car should car be warm?

Answer 1

Wow... only one correct answer and one nearly correct. Check it when it's cold. Checking when warm will not account for the oil pumped into the upper parts of the engine and could result in overfilling. If you were to leave it sitting so the oil could drain back down into the oil pan for 10 minutes or so when warm, that would be okay. Checking it in the morning before you start it is the best way to get an accurate reading.

Answer 2

When To Check Oil Level

Answer 3

Ideally check with your car's handbook or your main dealer if unsure, the handbook will state there what the 'Manufacturer' recommends. If nothing's there, then either way will generally be ok. You don't state what sort of car it is, so please bear in mind that cars with 'Dry Sump' engines such as the Porsche 911 types actually require the oil level to be checked with the engine Running! As others have said, hot oil expands and will give a higher reading on the dipstick than that for a cold engine. In this case, it's ssential to let the engine rest a few minutes before dipping, as oil is retained for a while in the valve gear and upper area of the engine and needs to drain. Failure to do this will result in overfilling and probably oil leaks and smokey engine as a result. Great to know that you're at least checking, many don't and wonder why a load of smoking debris just followed them down the road!

Answer 4

Not necessary just check oil often! on level ground until you know what the engine consumes. Let the car sit for about 5 or ten minutes after running to allow most of the oil to return to the crankcase. Yes all engines use Oil. As little as 1/2 qt. between oil changes up to 1 qt per 700 miles. Check Owners Manual or dealership for oil consumption data.

Answer 5

If You Live In Anartica You Probably Would Have To ,However The Vehicle Must Be Off For At Least 10 Minutes To Get A True Reading,I Always Check Mine In The Mornin Before Start-Up

Answer 6

The best time to check your oil is when the car has not been running for at least 5 -10 minutes.

Answer 7

check your oil when the car is cold and the oil has settled down in the oil pan. this way you get a true and exact reading of how much oil is in your engine. its very bad to overfill your engine with oil. its better to be a little low than it is to be over full.

Answer 8

When checking oil level it does not matter at all the temp of the motor. It does however need to set for 5-10 minutes to get an accurate reading if you are checking it hot. (so all the oil drains back into the pan)

Answer 9

yes but make sure to let the oil settle for about ten minutes before checking cuz if you check it right after turning it off than you will get a low reading and you might add to much oil to it and cause you more problems like dirty spack plugs and smoking tail pipe

Answer 10

Engine oil doesn,t really make a difference but transmission fluid level needs to be warm for an accurate check.