Hot or Cold Engine Oil Check The Game-Changer for Accurate Readings

Doesn't matter if the engine's hot or cold. Just leave the car sitting for 10-20 minutes to allow the oil to drain from the top of the engine ... The hot crowd will argue that oil expands when hot, so the best time to check the oil is when the engine is warm. You're supposed to check when it's hot, 5 min after you shut the car off for an accurate reading. Should be about an 1/8" to 1/4" lower on the ... Maybe 10 minutes or so it will read full on the stick because the oil is hot and expanded. Always check your oil when engine is cold. Best case is in the morning before you start the car. However, you can get a pretty good reading after about 20 min ... It's best to check it cold. That way the oil has a chance to drain back into the sump and you a more accurate reading. The best time to check the oil in the engine is when the engine is cold or sitting there overnight. That is what I do. I still have my doubts though. When the engine is hot, the oil is thinner and less viscous so it runs down the dipstick faster. When the oil is cold, it's thick and much ... 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - check oil hot or cold? ... Cold before you start the engine will give the most accurate reading. If you are on a ... Imagine a dipstick going into a pan of oil that has accumulated over night...straight in...how is it going to be inaccurate?