DJ23

When is the most accurate time to measure your oil? With the engine cold my level is at the top bar. But when refueling the level is at the midpoint. I haven't had to add any oil over the first 3 months, but I would like to know which scenario I should use as my baseline; cold engine or warm to check oil level. Thanks for your help.


Jay

Fast40th

Warm is best. What has worked best for me is measuring 30 mins or so after parking the car from my commute back home.

boolala

It's best to measure it after a high speed run which will vaporize any fuel contaminants.

OCBen

Well, I was told that it's best to measure it after all the oil has completely drained down, thereby getting a true measurement of the oil in the engine reservoir. How long this takes, I'm not quite sure. But I think it’s safe to say that after letting the oil settle down overnight that it will have completely drained down into the reservoir by morning. I do know that prior to starting the engine when it’s cold that I get a full reading, and that’s what I use as my baseline, since I know without a doubt when it’s cold, but I haven’t a clue about the varying degrees of warm.

ArthurY

And the basis of your conclusion for what's best is ....?

boolala

Owner's manual page 157.

jfraser

DJ23
The variance of high point to mid point is too great....You have too have the car on completely level ground in order to get a proper reading.....I've heard the car's measurement system is very sensitive to this. FYI, I found that the first 1000 miles or so the car was a thirsty bugger...after that it stabilised (very little consumption)

jfraser

Here's the page that Boolala was referring to......

DJ23

Thanks guys for your input and help. I just didn't want to add oil thinking it was low and have too much in the resevoir.


Jay

Flying Finn

Priceless!

ArthurY

Thanks.
Unlike some of our resident heretics, I'm fairly religious in following the manual's commandments, and I had missed the one you pointed out.