Here's a very confusing topic... Scotty says when checking the oil levels on a car engine, have the car warmed up and wait for 5 to 10 minutes after engine shut down. Well it's makes a-lot of sense because warming up a vehicle expands the oil which then in 5 to minutes goes down to the bottom at the oil pan which produces an accurate oil reading.
Back in the late 80' and early to mid 90's I drove a-lot of tow trucks and commercial vehicle over 18,000 lbs which were both diesel and gasoline powered. Every time before we started a vehicle, we always did the pre-trip inspection which included checking the oil. However, myself as well as other professionals such as mechanics, managers, company owners, and seasoned experienced veteran drivers all just opened the hood and checked the oil level and then decided whether it needed oil or not and then just stared the vehicles that were ready to drive.
Is or was this method true or not? Did this method apply to older vehicles? Or...was this whole thing that we did back then all wrong?
Not wrong, just for the most accurate reading perhaps is to do the Scotty method. Vehicles with the dipstick will have a range on it so as long as it's between the two points when cold (preferably towards the upper end) then you'd be good.
Agree with Bruce. The advantage of doing it the same every time is that you can find small changes early, and checking it warm best reflects operating conditions.
But the most important thing is not how you check it but THAT you check it. 😀
I don't think you will notice a huge difference either way, but please do try both and let us know what you find out.
Ok, I will. Thanks.