Is it accurate to check the engine oil when the engine is cold? as in not warmed up at all.

 

No significant difference. Do a test if you want to confirm. Check it before you drive off the first time for the day. Then after it has warmed up and the car sits for 5 minutes or so, check it again.

 

thanks. It's just that the bloody dipstick is located in such a lousy spot I keep getting small burns from the hot pipes and metals around it. And my hands aren't even that big!

 

Mechanics gloves are your friends

 

I wonder why Mazda recommends checking the oil on a warm engine that has been sitting for a few minutes. The "old school" logic is to check it dead cold to get the most accurate reading, and it's not as if the oil has to drain down from a valvetrain or anything.

 

I have problems with the plastic tube coming out together with the dipstick if I'm trying to check the oils when engine cold... when warm the dipstick comes out nicely without the plastic tube...

 

I keep a pair of in my glove box, that's what it's there for.

 

Aww but the burns add character!

 

Yep............suck it up and deal with it. Somewhat kidding! You know what's hot.........don't touch it and you won't get burned! I do have fairly large hands, ya just have to be careful. You can check it cold though!

 

LOL.. But I already got my fair share working on Uncle Sam's diesels.

 

You check the level when it is hot because a significant change happens as the coolers pump up.
There is a 1/4" difference on my level between cold and hot.

Besides - it isn't important how much oil you have in the engine when it is cold.

 

True, but 1/4" isn't gonna smoke the car. Never checking it either hot or cold and being three or more quarts down is another story.

 

True.