Do You Check Engine Oil with the Car Running?

Introduction

Checking your engine oil is an important part of regular car maintenance. But should you check it with the car running or not? There are different opinions on this, so let’s dive into the details.

When to Check Engine Oil

The best time to check your engine oil is when the engine is cold, but not necessarily running. This allows the oil to settle down in the oil pan, giving you a more accurate reading.

Why Not Check with the Car Running?

There are a few reasons why it’s not recommended to check engine oil with the car running:

1. Inaccurate Reading: When the engine is running, the oil is constantly circulating. This can cause the oil level to appear higher than it actually is.
2. Oil Spillage: If the oil filler cap is not properly sealed, oil can spill out when the engine is running. This can create a mess and could potentially cause a fire hazard.
3. Moving Parts: With the engine running, there are moving parts around the oil filler cap. This can make it dangerous to check the oil, especially if you’re not careful.

Checking Engine Oil with the Car Not Running

Here are the steps to check engine oil with the car not running:

1. Park the car on a level surface: This ensures an accurate oil level reading.
2. Turn off the engine: Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to settle down.
3. Locate the oil filler cap: It’s usually located on top of the engine.
4. Remove the oil filler cap: Use a clean rag to wipe off any excess oil.
5. Insert the oil dipstick: Push the dipstick all the way into the oil filler hole.
6. Remove and check the oil dipstick: The oil level should be between the “min” and “max” marks on the dipstick.
7. Replace the oil filler cap: Tighten the cap securely to prevent oil leakage.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions where it may be necessary to check engine oil with the car running:

• If there’s an oil leak: If you suspect an oil leak, it may be helpful to check the oil level with the engine running to see if the leak is significant.
• If the oil is excessively thick: In cold weather, oil can become very thick. Checking the oil with the engine running can help ensure that the oil is circulating properly.

Conclusion

In general, it’s best to check engine oil with the car not running. This provides the most accurate reading and helps prevent potential safety hazards. However, there may be certain situations where checking the oil with the car running is necessary.