Idiot Question about Oil

[blugnu]

I've never been able to get a definitive answer as to when you are supposed to check the oil level.

Is it when it's cold? Or a bit warm? Or hot?

This was never a problem when I lived somewhere flat, as I just checked it every now and again, sometimes first thing and sometimes after a short drive.

Now I live on a steep hill and park on the road it's a bit trickier to check.

If I drive to my local petrol station (2 miles) and check it there, how long would PHers recommend leaving it stand before I check it?

Cheers

[andybracing]

when the engine oil is up to temp, not easy to check as most cars dont have a oil temp gauge, but a 15 20 min drive should do it, if its not up to temp you may end up over filling, to be safe if your not sure how hot it is and its between min and max then leave it. Over filling is often worse than letting it go a little bit low.

[andybracing]

when the engine oil is up to temp, not easy to check as most cars dont have a oil temp gauge, but a 15 20 min drive should do it, if its not up to temp you may end up over filling, to be safe if your not sure how hot it is and its between min and max then leave it. Over filling is often worse than letting it go a little bit low.

[blugnu]

thanks Andy - the car does have a temperature gauge, but I presume that's coolant temp. It's a 15 minute drive home though, so I will do it then as I need petrol anyway. Thanks again.

[gowmonster]

I generally check when i'm filling up after i've paid, I don't leave it to cool down or anything.

[blugnu]

thanks all - warm is good - I'll add 'check oil' to 'buy petrol' and 'check tyre pressures' on my 'things to do at the garage' list. Might as well check everything else there too I suppose, as they very kindly provide light, gloves and that blue tissue

[ian_uk1975]

Doesn't matter what temperature the oil is*. All that matters is the car is on a level surface.

• Dry sump systems are the exception and must be checked with the oil hot

[ch427]

A minute or so is enough to let it settle to check it too