When do you read the oil?

I'm aware the common advice nowadays is to read oil when the engine is warm and has been turned off for about 10-15 minutes.
This doesn't give me a good reading on my 2002 4Runner, I wonder if you read oil on cold engine since it's an older car?

 

Welcome to the forum, for as long as I can remember it has always been, check it when warm, old or new does not matter.

 

Thank you,
I've read that they are calibrated to be read when hot now, but on many old cars, reading cold was the most accurate - which has always been my experience. I'll check what my manual says later, and try it cold to see if that gives me a better reading (waiting 15-20 minutes after parking didn't give me a good reading at all).

 

I check my oil and all fluid levels, belts, hoses and full visual inspection under the hood at every single fuel stop at the pump after fueling. By the time you finish fueling the oil is settled enough for an accurate reading.

 

Hmm, I’ve had the school of thought, the most accurate oil level reading would be on level ground when all the oil has had a chance to drain into the pan, as if you check when it’s in the engine, you may overfill and that would cause problems. For these reasons, I would assume cold is the most accurate, or sitting for a good amount of time.

what would be he benefits of checking when warm?

 

Just make sure the car is fairly level and the line is midway or higher.

If warm, you can test it after a few minutes to allow most of the oil to go back into the pan.

If you are anywhere in the middle to upper normal range, it's fine. Always wipe and do it a second time.

This is not the space shuttle. You don't need to be super precise.

 

Do it whenever your on a level surface, and do it at least once a month, do it more often if your burning or leaking oil