Author Topic: Checking engine oil level  (Read 1926 times)

Offline clarky92

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Checking engine oil level
« on: 31 July 2018, 10:24 »
Ive always checked engine oil levels when the car is cold and obviously parked on a flat surface.

However checking the manual it says to check the oil level when the car is at operating temperature.

Whats everyone else done? Id imagine taking the reading at cold vs warm will produce quite different results due to expansion?

Offline MjrSharpe

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Re: Checking engine oil level
« Reply #1 on: 31 July 2018, 10:39 »
I used to always check when cold as well, but seemed to be topping it up the odd time. I now wait until the oil is up to temp and leave the car for 10 minutes or so to let it drain into the sump. I've found that I never have to top up, and the quantity is always spot on.
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Offline Talk-torque

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Re: Checking engine oil level
« Reply #2 on: 31 July 2018, 10:43 »
I find checking the oil level rather imprecise, hot or cold. The dipstick seems to get a smear from where the level is up the stick. You can tell where the actual level is, but it’s not as clear as it could be.
The answer to your question is that the manual is, I suppose, always right, but I don’t believe it makes that much difference, hot or cold.
Roger.

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Offline Jim_mk7.5

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Re: Checking engine oil level
« Reply #3 on: 31 July 2018, 13:52 »
Just wait for the oil light to come on!  :grin:
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Offline Talk-torque

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Re: Checking engine oil level
« Reply #4 on: 01 August 2018, 14:10 »
Just wait for the oil light to come on!  :grin:

When, from comments on here, you will be around a litre, or 20% of normal capacity, down. Not ideal I would suggest. I know you were being facetious, but a lot seem to do just that. Don’t BMWs have a top up light? Can’t Be that complicated, surely.
Roger.

Pure White MY19 GTI PP 5 Door DSG with 19” Brescias.

Offline Mark V GTD

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Re: Checking engine oil level
« Reply #5 on: 01 August 2018, 15:38 »
My new Audi A4 has no dipstick - you can even check the level remotely using the 'My Audi' phone app!