Keeping up with your engine’s maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly. One of those important tasks keeping a close eye on your vehicle’s bloodline – AKA oil level. It’s important to keep your oil topped up, but did you know that there’s a right and wrong time to do it?
So, can you put oil in your car when it’s warm? Most people think that it doesn’t matter whether they add oil when the engine is hot or cold. However, experts say that adding oil to a warm engine is actually the best way to do it. In this article, we’ll explain why.
When Should You Change Your Oil or Add Oil?
Engine oil needs to be very precise and consistent level to avoid knocking and premature engine failure. The oil is what helps keeps the engine running smoothly by lubricating the moving parts. The viscosity of the oil is important in cold weather, because if it is too thick, the oil won’t flow to all of the engine’s parts. The oil will also thin out in hot weather. So, how do you know when to change your oil or add oil?
You should change your car’s engine oil every 5,000 miles, whether the car is driven in cold or hot weather. You should also add oil when the level falls below the minimum line on the dipstick. Basically, extreme temperatures are not good for your checking your engine oil level. Also make sure the vehicle is on a level and flat surface.
The best time to check your car’s oil level is when the engine is just warm and always make sure to check the oil before you drive. If the car is driven in hot weather, the oil will expand and may not show an accurate reading on the dipstick. In this case, it’s a good idea to check the oil level again when the engine has cooled down a bit to a more moderate temperature.
Also Read: Best 5w30 Synthetic Oil
When to Add Oil? In a Cold or Hot Engine?
Time to add some oil to the engine. Here is the information you had been looking for! If you’re planning on adding oil to your engine there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the right oil. Second, you need to be careful not to overfill the engine.
Overfilling the engine can lead to serious problems, so it’s important to be precise when adding oil. If you’re not sure how much oil your engine needs, it’s always best to take a look at the dipstick or consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.
Adding Oil When The Engine Is Warm
A warm engine is the best time to add oil because the viscosity will be runny enough to smoothly flow to all areas of the engine without sticking to entry and passage ways too much. In addition, but more importantly it won’t expand too much in volume at this temperature giving a wrong impression of the final oil level.
It also is a good time to change the oil as it will drain more effectively, not stick to nooks and crannies and not burn your hand in the process.
Adding Oil When The Engine Is Hot
You can add oil to a hot engine, but you have to be careful. If the oil is too hot, it will be in an expanded state when it comes to volume and could lead you to think that the engine already has enough oil. Also, even if you add the perfect amount of oil according to you, it may cool down and drop in levels resulting in an inadequate amount.
If you change your oil when the engine is hot, the old oil will drain out more effectively. However, you have to be careful not to get burned by hot oil splashing on you. This is a move that we do not recommend.
Adding Oil When The Engine Is Cold
When it comes to adding oil, a cold engine is the least ideal. This is because when the engine is cold, the oil will be thicker and won’t flow as smoothly to all areas. The oil will also stick to entry and exit ways more, which could result in an inaccurate measurement.
If you do need to add oil to a cold engine, it’s best to first start the engine and let it warm up for a couple 2 or 3 minutes first. Then, you can turn it off and add the oil. Keep in mind that if you’re changing your oil when the engine is cold, the old oil will be thicker and won’t drain out as effectively. So, you may need to let the engine warm up for a bit before attempting to drain it out.
Also Read: Best 5w20 Synthetic Oil
FAQs
Should I Let My Car Cool Down Before Adding Oil?
If the the engine temperature is too hot, the oil will be in an expanded state when it comes to volume and could lead you to think that the engine already has enough oil. It’s best to let the engine cool down to a more moderate temperature before adding oil. Ideally, you want the engine to be warm but not too hot or cold when adding oil.
How Long Should I Let My Engine Cool Before Changing Oil?
This may depend on the type of oil you’re using and the climate you’re in. Normally, after turning the engine off, you would let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes so the oil can drain down into the pan and cool down at the same time. Keep in mind that if you’re changing your oil when the engine is cold, the old oil will be thicker and won’t drain out as effectively. So, you may need to let the engine warm up for a bit before attempting to change it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best time to add oil to your engine is when it’s warm. This is because the viscosity will be runny enough to smoothly flow to all areas of the engine without sticking to entry and passage ways too much. In addition, but more importantly it won’t expand too much in volume at this temperature giving a wrong impression of the final oil level.
If you do need to add oil to a cold engine, it’s best to first start the engine and let it warm up for a couple 2 or 3 minutes first. We hope this article was helpful to you and thanks for reading!
