Published on: February 11, 2023
Written by Gian Camilo / Fact-checked by Harun Khan
Cold weather can be a real drag on vehicles, and checking your car’s oil is one of the most important maintenance tasks you need to do regularly.
It is a common practice among car owners to check the oil level of their vehicle, especially when they are planning a long road trip or are due for a routine maintenance check. The oil level of a car is an important aspect to consider as it helps in keeping the engine lubricated, which in turn prevents it from overheating or wearing out prematurely.
When checking the oil level, it is recommended to do so with a cold engine as it provides a more accurate reading. This is because the oil level in a warm engine can appear to be lower than it actually is, as the hot oil expands and takes up more space in the engine. Hence, checking the oil level when the car is cold helps in avoiding any potential miscalculations and ensures the longevity of the engine.
Definition of Engine Oil
Engine oil is a lubricant used in internal combustion engines to reduce friction and wear between moving parts. It also helps to clean, cool, and protect the engine by carrying away dirt and debris, dispersing heat, and preventing corrosion.
Engine oil is typically made from petroleum-based oils and additives, and is formulated to meet specific performance specifications.
Can I Put Oil in My Car When It’s Cold?
Yes, you can put oil in your car when it’s cold, but it’s best to wait for the oil to warm up to room temperature before adding it. This will ensure that the oil will flow more easily into the engine and provide a more accurate oil level reading. If you add cold oil to a hot engine, it can cause the oil to expand and temporarily give you a false reading on the oil dipstick.
Additionally, pouring cold oil into a hot engine can cause the oil to become more viscous, making it harder to circulate through the engine and potentially reducing its ability to lubricate the engine components. So it’s a good idea to let the oil reach room temperature before checking the level and adding oil as necessary.
The Different Types of Oil and How They Are Used in a Car Engine
There are several types of motor oils used in car engines, each with different properties and uses:
Conventional Motor Oil
This is the most basic type of motor oil and is made from crude oil. It is suitable for most older cars and is the most affordable option.
Synthetic Motor Oil
This type of oil is made through chemical processes and is designed to provide better engine protection, improved fuel efficiency, and longer oil life compared to conventional oil.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
This is a mix of conventional and synthetic oils, providing a balance of cost and performance.
High-mileage Motor Oil
This type of oil is specially formulated for cars with over 75,000 miles, providing extra protection for older engines.
Diesel Motor Oil
This type of oil is specifically designed for diesel engines, offering improved protection for high-compression engines and better fuel efficiency.
Racing Motor Oil
This type of oil is designed for high-performance engines, providing improved protection under extreme conditions and high temperatures.
It’s important to choose the right type of motor oil for your car based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and your driving conditions.
Why Check the Oil Level when the Car is Cold?
It is important to check the oil level of a car when it is cold for several reasons.
First, oil levels are easier to read when the engine is cold because the oil is denser and has not been disturbed by the heat generated by the engine. When the engine is hot, the oil can become frothy and expand, making it difficult to get an accurate reading. Checking the oil level when the engine is cold will give you a more accurate reading of the actual amount of oil in the engine.
Second, checking the oil level when the engine is cold will give you a better idea of how much oil has been consumed by the engine. If you check the oil level when the engine is hot, it may seem like there is less oil in the engine, but this is because some of the oil has been burned off by the heat generated by the engine. Checking the oil level when the engine is cold will give you a better understanding of how much oil is actually being consumed by the engine.
Third, checking the oil level when the engine is cold can help you catch any oil leaks that may be present. If the oil level is lower than it should be when the engine is cold, this could indicate an oil leak. By checking the oil level when the engine is cold, you can quickly identify any oil leaks and get them fixed before they become a bigger problem.
Finally, checking the oil level when the engine is cold can help you avoid running the engine low on oil, which can cause serious damage to the engine. If the oil level is too low, the engine will not receive proper lubrication, and the parts will start to rub against each other, causing metal-to-metal contact, which can lead to serious engine damage.
Checking the oil level of a car when it is cold is an important step in maintaining the health of the engine and avoiding any damage that may result from running the engine low on oil. It is recommended to check the oil level at least once a month to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and functioning correctly.
How to Check Oil Level When the Car is Cold?
To check the oil level in a car when it is cold:
- Park the car on level ground and turn off the engine.
- Locate the oil dipstick, which is usually marked with an oil can symbol.
- Pull out the dipstick, and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel.
- Re-insert the dipstick all the way back in, then pull it out again to check the oil level.
- The oil level should be between the two marks or dots on the dipstick, indicating that it is at the proper level. If the oil level is low, add oil as needed through the engine oil filler cap, which is usually located near the top of the engine.
It is important to use the correct type of oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and to not overfill the engine with oil.
What to Do if Your Car is Not Cold When Checking the Oil?
If your car’s engine is not cold when checking the oil, it’s recommended to wait a few minutes after turning off the engine to allow the oil to settle in the oil pan. This helps to get an accurate reading of the oil level.
To check the oil level, locate the dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then remove it again to check the oil level against the markings on the dipstick. If the oil level is low, add oil as necessary. It’s important to use the correct type of oil for your vehicle as specified in the owner’s manual.
Tips for Accurate Engine Oil Level Reading
Check the Oil Level
It is recommended to check the oil level when the engine is cold and has not been running for a while. This will provide an accurate reading of the oil level as the oil will have settled in the pan.
Use the Dipstick Properly
A dipstick is a tool that is used to measure the oil level in the engine. It is important to use it properly by inserting it fully into the oil pan, removing it, and checking the level against the markings on the dipstick.
Keep the Vehicle Level
It is important to keep the vehicle level when checking the oil level. This will ensure that the oil has settled evenly in the pan, and the reading will be accurate.
Clean the Dipstick Before Each Use
Dirt and debris can build up on the dipstick, which can give an inaccurate reading. Clean the dipstick with a clean cloth before each use to ensure an accurate reading.
Check the Oil Level Regularly
Regularly checking the oil level is important for maintaining a healthy engine. It is recommended to check the oil level once a month or every 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. This will help to prevent any potential damage to the engine caused by low oil levels.
Common Causes of Low Engine Oil Level
The common causes of low engine oil levels include:
- Leaks: oil leaks from the engine, gaskets, seals, or other parts can cause the oil level to drop.
- Oil consumption: Some engines naturally consume more oil than others, leading to a decrease in the oil level.
- Improper maintenance: Failing to regularly check and refill the oil level can cause it to drop.
- Excessive idling: Engine oil is circulated when the engine is running, so excessive idling can cause the oil level to drop.
- Short trips: Driving short distances can lead to insufficient engine warm-up, which can cause oil to be burned and consumed more quickly.
- Driving conditions: Aggressive driving, such as high-speed driving, can increase engine oil consumption.
Editors Note
Checking the oil level in a car should ideally be done when the engine is cold. This is because the oil in the engine tends to settle at the bottom when it is cold, giving an accurate reading of the oil level. If the engine is hot, the oil is circulated and may give a false high reading, leading to overfilling and potential damage to the engine.
However, it is also important to note that some newer vehicles with advanced oil monitoring systems may allow for checking the oil level when the engine is warm, but it is best to consult the owner’s manual or a professional mechanic to be sure. In any case, checking the oil regularly is important for maintaining the proper functioning and longevity of a vehicle’s engine.