Ok, this is the problem. When I leave my car overnight (10-12 hours) and check it in the morning (Like I did today) The level shows that I should add half of a quart. Now, when I get out from work in the afternoon and check the level it will read perfect. I use synthetic and have 128,000 miles. My car doesn't smoke at all, but this is bugging me. I've read that you should check your oil when you stop at the gas station. When do you guys check it? What does the factory manual say? I would think that after 7 hours of being at work all of the oil would be drained to the bottom. Is it that synthetic condenses or settles when abosorbing the dirty crap in the engine? Feedback please.......

 

Check at dead cold. When engine warm the oil expands, therefore giving a + reading. Many people will argue with these, but you never want to add more oil then engine can take, unless you want increased pressure - isn't good.

 

but by your method when you check it at dead cold and add oil to give it the correct amount, when the engine heats up there will be too much oil.
check it when the car is semi warm.

 

Yeah, and when it's cold ALL the oil has drained into the pan, whereas when it's warm (or running) there's oil in other places inside the motor. I always check mine warm.

 

i always check mine cold in the beginning of the week every week. and later in the day after i have driven the car and its warm i check it agian to make sure......

 

I check mine everytime i fill up for gas. Just a habbit

 

i've been checking mine everyday lately, but i'm boosted.