2006-12-18 08:27:16 · 16 answers · asked by aff_20062006 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Doesn't matter. The engine should be off for a few minutes, though.
2006-12-18 08:32:49 · answer #1 · answered by credo quia est absurdum 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best time to check is cold, however you can check it after say pumping gas. Expect there to be about 1/2-1 quart in the top of the engine (not drained down yet), so your reading would make it look like it was low after you drove it to the gas station. Don't add oil when the engine is warm, to do so you may blow the seals and have a nightmare on your hands!! Hope this helps, good luck!
2006-12-18 08:41:03 · answer #2 · answered by mobile1mechanic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can check both.. as there will be not much difference.. But I prefer to warm up the engine and then check.. as in cold condition all the oil would have been settled down and the reading will always show higher values.. also the car should not be too hot... as it will again show higher level due to increased volume.. the ideal should be just when the radiator fan comes up.
2016-05-23 05:04:09 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't make enough difference to matter. However, your car shoud be setting level for 5 to 10 minutes, with the engine off before you check the oil. A good time might be when you fill up, after your done filling so any oil in the engine has a chance to drain back to the pan.
2006-12-18 08:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hot. They calibrate the marks with the thought that most people will check their oil when they stop for gas. And it will always be the same temperature that way. If you check it cold it could be anywhere from 100 F to -40F.
2006-12-18 12:19:03 · answer #5 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold, engine off and with the vehicle on a level surface.
Only fluid you need to check hot is transmission.
2006-12-18 08:30:46 · answer #6 · answered by bwc0356 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
you can do it both ways,but if you check it when its hot,wait till the oil all drains back into the oil pan.but i try to check mine when its cold,like in the mornings,before i start my car.
2006-12-18 08:33:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold ck in the mornings before you start the engine.
2006-12-18 08:32:24 · answer #8 · answered by d3midway semi-retired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm...I'm no car expert but I would say cold. You might hurt yourself with a hot engine.
2006-12-18 08:31:14 · answer #9 · answered by starr_wix_wickens_aka.starreyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not ice cold. Let it run for a few minutes to get the oil circulating, turn off the vehicle and then check it.
2006-12-18 08:30:18 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋