Checking oil level

[Rudedog]

Over the weekend did my regular oil level check, the level hasn't moved since I bought it and has always been dead in the middle of the hatched area.

Thought I check the manual to see how much oil is needed to move it from half to the top.

Guess what... I then found out it recommends that you check the oil at operating temperature, so hot!

Lucky I never added anything... in all of my Golfs I've always checked when cold.

[Ceefeesh]

News to me too. Do you switch the engine off? Do you give give the oil time to settle and return to the sump? Confusing! The older I get the less I know.

[Rudedog]

It says;

1 - With the engine at operating temperature, park the vehicle on a level surface to ensure that the engine oil reading is correct.

2 - Switch off the engine and wait a few minutes for the engine oil to flow back into the sump.

[Finglonga]

I have always checked the oil level when the engine is hot on my cars and bikes as always found it more accurate.

[skippy]

Yes - it seems to be more of a modern car procedure to check the oil level when the engine is hot, but as mentioned, always leave 5-10 mins for the oil to drain back to the sump first.

I remember back in the day, oil used to almost have the consistency of treacle, I still remember the 'Castrol GTX' Liquid Engineering adverts! Seemed then, the best way to measure oil was for the engine to be stone cold, but now modern day oils are almost water thin!

[jf111]

What is "operating temperature"?

[SRGTD]

What is "operating temperature"?

I’d consider the normal or optimum operating temperature for the oil to be 90 degrees C. That’s the temperature I’ve let the oil reach before any ‘enthusiastic’ driving. 

So a good time to check the oil level is after your car has been on a decent length journey and the oil is up to temperature and the car’s been parked up for a few minutes on a level surface when you get home..