Cold Engine? After it has fully warmed up? Please let me know, as i usually get my reading after it is warmed up, and let it sit for a few min. to let the oil settle into the pan.


[Modified by Comptech98GSR, 5:03 AM 7/10/2002]

 

When it's cold and on level ground.

 

first thing in the morning

 

Ive seen over 1/2 quart varience with this method. Its no good. Cold engine is best for cars with wet sump.

 

You are doing it corrctly Comptech98GSR, the engine has to be at operating temperature, and let the oil settle a little.

It tells you in your owner's manual.

 

I also prefer checking in the morning. I usually check my oil and tire pressure first thing every Saturday morning.

 

is anyone a 100% sure as to how to get an accurate reading. B/c i seem to be about 1/4 quart low on oil almost every 900 miles, if not more. Can't understand it, unless i am not reading my dip stick right, but i don't think that is the case.

 

You need consistency when you check. It has to be the same environment otherwise you may get different readings. Thats why I think morning on a cold engine is good. Its consistently the same conditions.