*how* to check your oil?

[vjaneczko]

OK, odd - maybe silly - question, but bare (bear?) with me.

I checked my oil when the engine was running and it was low - just a drop on the tip of the stick. When I turned off the engine and grabbed my oil, I checked it once again (before adding any oil) and it appeared at the right level - maybe a bit low, but 'in the norm'. That got me thinking that when the engine is running it's got the oil flowing all over the engine and when it's off, the oil settles in the pan. I seem to remember that the Jiffy Lube dudes check the stick after the engine is running. So what’s the ‘right’ way to check your oil level? Is it such a small amount of oil - maybe 1/2 a quart? - that it doesn't really matter?

[ojdorson]

Oil with the car off. A lot of people say it's best to check first thing in the morning on a cold engine. If you've just shut it down, give it a few minutes to settle (like you did when you went for the oil).

[misha]

The best way to check oil level is when the engine is cold.Park the car at LEVEL surface and let it sit overnight,then check oil level.This is the most accurate way.

Or....when engine is warmed,turn the engine of,park the car at level surface and wait about 5-10 minutes then check oil level.This method is not that accurate like previous method but it's helpfull.

[cn90]

- Flat surface
- Engine off for about 1 minute. No need to wait overnight.
- When mechanic (or you) change engine oil/filter, they check for leak by running engine.
Then they shut it down and check the oil within 15 seconds or so.
After you shut the engine off, the oil goes back to the sump very quickly, maybe within 15 seconds or so.

[JRL]

Oh my
You NEVER check ENGINE the oil when the engine is running (unless it's an air cooled dry sump Porsche)
You ALWAYS check the TRANSMISSION fluid with the engine running and the oil HOT

[cn90]

Well JRL is partially correct,

Engine Oil: always check with engine off, always, always.

ATF Fluid: it depends on cars, so read the owners manual.
Some say check when cold, some say check when hot. Most ATF dipsticks have markings for cold and hot.
Some say check with engine off, some say check with engine on.
I own many different cars, so for this part I know this is the fact.

[boosted5cyl]

Volvo's reccomended proceedure for oil checkage is to wait two mins after shutdown and check on a level surface.

[jblackburn]

Yep - 15 seconds isn't long enough for the oil to drain out of all the turboy stuff back to the pan. After a few minutes, you get an accurate reading again on the stick. I've seen it change by almost half a quart after waiting a bit longer.

[oughorian]

In this case many people gave the right answers. I just want to remind only. check the oil when car is parked in level driveway or street it is very important for 850's and similar models to be in a level surface parked when you want check the oil. I had and have several deferent cars non of them have oil level checking issue like my 850 volvo.

[Matty Moo]

I haven't driven into a Jiffy Lube or any other joint like that in over 10 years. I'd say most of the places recruit their employees from group homes or parole reporting centers.