Oil and Water

[molanole]

Yes, this is a bit of a girls question but I'm hoping someone can help. I try to check the oil and water in my car regularly but am confused about whether you should check when the engine is cold, or (as my step dad says) start and run the car for a bit (something to do with the sump) first so that the engine is warm. Is it different for oil and water? I'm guessing checking the water when it's hot would be a bad thing....

Thanks for your help.

[spaced]

yes. for best results its best to allow the engine to cool and then take a reading of the oil from the dipstick. With water, it depends on if you mean water in the radiaot or the screen washer tank?

[Shylock]

It is perfectly acceptable to check the oil either when engine is warm or cold. You will have to leave it a few minutes after switching engine off to let the oil settle back into the sump before checking.

As for the water, you were quite right to say it would be a bad thing when hot. Do not attempt to remove water filling cap when engine is hot. These days most cars have a reservoir that is see through, and a mark on the side showing where the water level should be.

[Toureman]

Both good answers above, I find it best to check both levels first thing in the morning once a week before starting the engine.

[wduk2005]

i agree with toureman, well thats what my mechinics said when i asked a few weeks ago. do it when engine is cold, n check reguarly

[molanole]

Thanks for your help everyone.