Can I check engine oil while cold?

Asked by 2011ram Sep 12, 2016 at 01:50 AM

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2011 dodge ram 5.7 hemi 2500.
The manual recommends running engine
till operating temp, then shut engine off for
5 minutes and check it. I find it difficult to
read it like this. Can I check it in the
morning cold? Will it give me a different
reading, or not enough of a different
reading to worry about?

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Rowefast answered 7 years ago

Checking the oil in the morning after the vehicle has sat over night is the most accurate way to check the oil level. At this time all the oil has drained down the the oil pan.

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