Of all of the basic maintenance procedures you should know how to do, being able to check your car’s oil levels is one of the most important.
If you don’t have a lot of experience checking oil, you may wonder about the best practices. Of these, the most common question is whether to check oil when the engine is hot or cold.
In this guide, we give you the answer to this vital question. We also look at the various oil types and if they matter. Beyond that, we give you the steps to check the engine oil levels so you know if it’s time to top off.
You’ll see just how simple it is to perform this maintenance task at home without any special tools. Before you leave, make sure you check the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Why Checking Your Oil is Important?
Motor oil is the blood of the engine, and as our tire manager Rubin says, “If there’s no oil, the car won’t run for long.” For instance, if your oil level gets too low, your engine could overheat, seize, or even fail entirely.
That’s why you need the right amount, the right type, at the right time. If any of these things are off, it could spell trouble for your ride.
Neglecting regular oil checks can lead to some serious consequences:
- Increased Engine Wear: Without enough oil, moving parts rub together, causing friction and damage.
- Overheating: Oil helps dissipate heat. Without it, your engine could overheat and fail.
- Costly Repairs: Engine repairs or replacements are among the most expensive fixes. Regular checks can help avoid these issues.
- Decreased Performance: Low oil levels can lead to sluggish engine performance and reduced fuel efficiency.
Avoid these headaches by making oil checks a habit—it’s quick, easy, and well worth the effort. Plus, it could save you thousands in repair costs.
Should You Check The Engine Oil Level Hot Or Cold?
For most users, it’s best to check the engine oil levels while it’s cold. If you prefer to check it when it’s warm, you want to wait for a minimum of 15 minutes after the engine was last run. That’s about the time it takes for the oil to come down into the pan fully.
For optimal safety, you want to wait until oil temperatures have returned to normal. That’s because the oil temperature can easily reach 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
With that said, new cars that have electronic oil level controllers only allow for a proper measurement when the oil is warm.
The car must also be parked on a flat and level surface. For this reason, today’s manufacturers recommend more and more that drivers check the engine oil when it’s warm.
It seems to provide a more accurate result. Just don’t read the engine oil directly when it’s hot.
In our opinion, the important part isn’t whether the oil is hot or cold when you check the oil, but rather that you give the oil time to drain back into the oil pan after the car has run. The oil must have drained back into the oil pan in order for you to get an accurate reading.
What to Use When Checking Oil?
The dipstick is designed for checking the motor oil level. Thus, you should use the dipstick when checking your oil level.
To check the oil level, remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean cloth before dipping it back. After that, pull it out and check the oil level on the dipstick. The oil should be at the maximum mark or close to it.
The dipstick has some markings on it. It shows you the highest and the lowest level. Your oil should not exceed the maximum marking; neither should it go below the minimum marking on the dipstick.
The motor oil is overfilled if it is above the max line. But if it is below the minimum line, you have low engine oil.
How to Check Engine Oil Like a Pro
Checking engine oil is not a difficult task, and it will also not take you too much time. These are the steps on how you check the oil in your vehicle.
Step 1: Park Your Vehicle
Start by parking your car on a level surface. This will help you get the correct reading. If the engine was in use for a long time, wait for it to cool down for around 5 to 15 minutes. It will allow the oil to settle down.
Most manufacturers have recalibrated the dipstick to give a correct reading, irrespective of whether the oil is hot or cold.
Step 2: Pop the Hood
Always remember that checking the oil should be done when the engine is off. Open the hood of the vehicle and locate where the dipstick is. It is mainly located around the engine. In most cases, it has an orange or red plastic tab on it.
Step 3: Remove and Wipe the Dipstick
After locating the dipstick, remove it. It will mostly have some oil readings. Wipe the oil off the dipstick with a clean cloth and ensure it is dry.
Step 4: Insert the dipstick
Insert the dipstick into its tube and pull it out. You will see the oil level on the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick and re-insert for confirmation.
The first reading may not be accurate since the vehicle oil can wink or splash upward on the dipstick. Re-check the oil level on both sides of the dipstick. The indicators on the dipstick will help you know whether the level is low, high, or normal.
Step 5: Check the Color and Consistency
Before you finish the process, inspect the consistency and color of the oil. This will help you know if the oil needs to be changed. In case the oil on the stick is gritty, thick, or black, then that is an indicator that it needs to be changed.
But if it is milky, you likely have coolant in the oil. Changing the oil in this situation will not fix the problem. Contact your mechanic to track the culprit and fix it.
Step 6: Put the dipstick back
If you are comfortable with the level, color, and consistency of the motor oil, wipe the dipstick with a cloth and put it back in the tube. Ensure that the stick is well inserted and close the hood.
In case the oil is off-colored, or the level is low, then it is advisable to take necessary actions as soon as possible. You can refill the oil if it is low or change it if off-colored. If you do not know how to go about it, visit your garage or consult an oil expert.
Checking Oil When the Engine is Hot
Checking oil when the engine is hot is a common practice among car owners. The reasoning behind this is that the oil level reading will be more accurate, as the oil has expanded to its maximum volume. However, there are some drawbacks to checking oil at hot temperatures:
Pros of Checking Oil When the Engine is Hot
- More accurate oil level reading
- Easier to identify oil leaks or contamination
- Can help to identify issues with the oil filter or oil pump
Cons of Checking Oil When the Engine is Hot
However, there are some potential drawbacks to checking oil at hot temperatures:
- Risk of burns from hot engine components
- Potential for oil to splash or spill when the engine is running
- May not be the best time to check for other issues, such as oil leaks or contamination
When to Check Oil When the Engine is Hot
While it’s generally recommended to check oil when the engine is hot, there are some exceptions to consider:
- After a long drive or extended periods of engine operation
- When the engine is running at high temperatures (above 200°F/93°C)
- When the oil level is low or the oil is dirty
Checking Oil When the Engine is Cold
Checking oil when the engine is cold is a common practice among mechanics and car owners.
The reasoning behind this is that the oil level reading will be more accurate, as the oil has contracted to its minimum volume. However, there are some drawbacks to checking oil at cold temperatures:
Pros of Checking Oil When the Engine is Cold
- More accurate oil level reading
- Easier to identify oil leaks or contamination
- Can help to identify issues with the oil filter or oil pump
Cons of Checking Oil When the Engine is Cold
However, there are some potential drawbacks to checking oil at cold temperatures:
- Risk of false oil level readings due to oil contraction
- Potential for oil to be too thick or viscous to flow properly
- May not be the best time to check for other issues, such as oil leaks or contamination
When to Check Oil When the Engine is Cold
While it’s generally recommended to check oil when the engine is cold, there are some exceptions to consider:
- After a short drive or minimal engine operation
- When the engine is running at low temperatures (below 100°F/38°C)
- When the oil level is high or the oil is clean
FAQs.
Q: Is it OK to check the oil when the engine is hot?
No, it is not okay to check the motor oil when the vehicle is hot. It is best to check the engine oil level before starting the car or 5 to 15 minutes after shutting it off. This way, you’ll have all the oil in the crankcase for an accurate reading.
Q: Does oil read higher or lower when hot?
Engine oil will read lower if you check it when hot because some of the oil has not settled in the oil sump.
The dipstick only reads the engine oil level in the oil sump, meaning the dipstick will not read the oil that travels to the valvetrain. This will invariably cause the reading to be lower.
Always allow the engine to rest for a while after shutting it down to prevent inaccurate readings.
Q: How much-overfilled is oil, OK?
Oil levels should always stay at the recommended line. However, it is okay if it is slightly above the max line because it won’t cause any problems.
But if the oil is overfilled with a half quart or more, or you see frothing on the dipstick, it’ll cause catastrophic issues. Thankfully, the only solution is to drain the overfilled oil.
Q: What Temperature Should You Check Your Oil At?
There is no specific temperature set at which you should check the motor oil. You can check if it is hot or cold, and it will give you almost the same reading. However, if you live in a very cold area, it is crucial to warm up the oil first before you check.
You can let the engine temperature reach 230-260 Degrees Fahrenheit to get the best result. You do this by leaving the engine to run for some minutes – 10-15 minutes, to be specific. You can also check the car owner’s manual to see their recommendations.
Q: How Long Does a Car Have to Sit Before You Check the Oil?
As we have said, you can check the oil when it is warm or cold, and you will get the same reading. However, if the engine has been running for a long, let it sit for 5 to 15 minutes to let the oil settle down in the crankcase for an accurate reading.
Q: Do You Check Whether Honda Oil is Hot or Cold?
On whether to check the oil hot or cold for Honda, you can check it when warm or cold. The temperature of the oil will not make so much difference. But you have to let the oil settle in the crankcase before checking the oil level.
If you leave in an extremely cold environment, start the vehicle and idle it for a while. After that, turn it off and wait for the oil to settle on the oil sump before checking the oil level. This will make the oil a little warm for accurate readings.
Q: What Happens If Oil Level Is Too High?
Overfilling oil can cause foaming, which is dangerous for the engine. As the crankshaft spins, it may whip the oil, causing it to froth. The froth may cause the engine to wear drastically.
The maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick guide you on where the oil level should be. It should not go beyond the maximum marking nor below the minimum marking. The correct level of oil should be at the max line or slightly below the max line.
Final Words
Now you know whether to check the motor oil hot or cold. It’s advisable to check the oil when cold or warm accurate reading.
If you live in an extremely cold environment, then you should warm the engine before checking the oil level. It is advisable to have a regular oil check to avoid having problems with your vehicle.
Remember, motor oils can be contaminated in many ways, like debris from metal shavings of the engine and combustion by-products. When the engine gets the care it needs, it gives you the peace you deserve.