Engine oil level...

[huhjared]

I know its sound stupid but whats the actual proper way to check the engine oil level?
when its cold (e.g in the morning before starting up)
when its driven (e.g when you reach your 20Ks away office)

my engine oil level is slightly above full in the morning before i drive it...
after starting the car for like 2 mins i check again and its half....
after reaching my office driven it for 20ks its slightly below full...

so guys which is the correct reading??

[EuroDude]

Check it when the engine is cold on level ground. When its cold, the oil has had a chance to seep down.

If you check the level straight after driving, it will be inaccurate since oil will still be everywhere in the engine.

[aaronng]

Either cold, or after 5 minutes of waiting if you have driven your car.

Moving to the noob section.

[tpphan]

1. Park the vehicle on level ground
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature
3. Turn off the engine
4. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry cloth
6. Re-insert it fully
7. Remove the dipstick and check the level

Just wait a few minutes after turning off your engine then check. You are wanting to check the Sump Pan level, so you have to wait for it to drain back first.

[aaronng]

1. Park the vehicle on level ground
2. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature
3. Turn off the engine
4. Wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan
5. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a dry cloth
6. Re-insert it fully
7. Remove the dipstick and check the level

Just wait a few minutes after turning off your engine then check. You are wanting to check the Sump Pan level, so you have to wait for it to drain back first.

You don't have to run your engine to operating temperature.

[migoreng]

prefer morning when all the oil is at the bottom.

you get a solid reading on the dipstick and you don't have small bits of oil up and down the stick.
having a driveway that is not level sucks.
so basically i gotta top up and leave like 3mm from the top dot lol...
i find if you check 5mins after filling up petrol the reading is not accurate.
oil can full in the morning but only 60-70% full 5mins after driving.

[LiKPiC]

I agree with Migoreng.

morning is best, after your car has been sitting in garage over night.
all the oil will be in the sump so it would be the most accurate reading.