when would be the best time to check how much oil you have? would it be more accurate when the car is running or after it ran or etc...?

 

after it has been running is usually a good time.

 

^I was always told that if you've been running it, the oil will be distributed thru-out the motor, therefore reading low. THEREFORE, if you add oil you'll actually be overfilling it.

 

drive the car around for at least 15 minutes, and this way the engine and the oil gets to full temperature, then park it on a level surface, and shut off and wait for 3 minutes, check the oil, the dipstick is supposed to indicate accurately when the engine oil is hot, [hot as in if you touch the filter, or the oil pan or even the oil on the stick if you yank it quick, the oil should be almost burning hot, like hot enough you dont want to but you can leave your hand on it] any hoo, when the oil is hot and sat for 3 minutes, then it should be AT the full mark. otherwise it should be a couple millimeters below full if it isnt hot enough.

 

Both the 92-95 and the 96-00 Civic Owner's Manuals say to:

"Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting off the engine. This will allow the oil to drain down to the bottom of the engine. Make sure the car is parked on level ground."

I usually check it after the car has sat over night. Guess I was wrong.

 

Hmmm thats pritty intresting i never put that much thought into it ha

 

Huh.. that's definately not what I was expecting. But if the owners manual says to, then dammit I'll do it!

BTW I always let it sit overnight too. Good stuff guys!

 

Wow. The horrors of hear-say. Good info!!!

 

oil viscosity depends on temp. run your car til the temp gauge is at normal. any honda i ever saw was right below half way. let the car sit for like 10 min for the oil to drain out of the head, etc. car should obviously be on a level surface. then just read the dip stick. that simple.