Checking oil
 

Exactly how long after turning off the engine should you wait before checking the oil dipstick? Two weeks ago, I waited a couple of minutes last time (2000 Accord has been burning oil), got a very low reading, and added two quarts. Today, a gas station attnedant checked a couple of minutes after the car was shut off, and the dipstick showed too much oil.

I'm confused: check hot or cold? Check right away, or wait for all the oil to drip into the pan?

I check mine hot and cold. Any time after the engine is off, and check again when cold. Should stay close to the fill line each reading. I found that when it reads low, you have to put in a little at a time. I am used to (American Cars) just dumping in a quart. Hondas, you have to go slow, a little at a time. I drove mine to Arizona once reading high on the dip-stick (mistake in filling), but it ran ok. I like your name!

I like to check oil when it's cold (Saturday morning before driving anywhere). When I check it warm, there doesn't seem to be much difference as long as I wait 10 or 15 minutes.

Thanks, Pete and Jim. I'm new here, and I appreciate the responses.

I guess I'll check the oil whenever I want, but make sure to add oil just a bit at a time from now on. This 10-year-old vehicle is the family car, and we can't get anything new until I find employment again!