Question:
When should I check my used car's oil?
Checking Your Oil
Whether your car is new or used, one regular maintenance check-up no car owner should neglect is checking the oil. But when should you do it? When the engine is cold (before you first start it in the morning) or when it's warm (after you've driven it and it's cooled down a bit)?
The generally accepted answer is when the engine is cold. That way you have a clear indication of the oil level. The oil hasn't heated and moved up the dip stick and there's no oil coming down off the inside of the engine. There's also no need to wipe the dip stick and re-check after taking the initial reading. However, Ford Motor Company suggests that you check the oil when the engine is warm. This could be specific to their vehicles; perhaps their dip sticks are designed for a warm-engine reading. If you own a Ford, experiment by taking a reading once in the morning and once after driving. Compare the two readings and go with an average.
Used Car Frequently Asked Questions
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Does my 1982 Escort need a new engine?
Should I have a User's Manual for my used Ford?
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Where can I find a manual for a used Chevy?
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how much can I afford to spend on a used car?
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How Can I Prepare to Buy a Used Car from an Owner
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What Should I look for When Test Driving a Used Car?
How to Avoid Being Scammed When Buying a Used Car From an Owner
What Shouldn't I Do When Buying a Used Car from an Individual?
What Should I Ask When Buying a Used Car from an Owner?
What Should I Know About Selling a Used Car?
How Should I Prepare to Sell My Car?
What Are My Responsibilities When Selling a Car
What Can I Do if My Used Car Won't Sell?
What Are the Advantages of Selling a Car as an Individual?
What Are Some of the Pitfalls of Selling a Car?
How Can I Get the Best Deal When Purchasing a Used Car from an Individual?
How Can I Maximize Used Car Trade in Values
How Can I Get the Best Deal for My Used Car?
What Should I Know About Buying a Used Car
What Should I Look for When Inspecting a Used Car?
How Do a Resolve Problems with my Online Used Car Purchase?
How Can I Search for and Buy a Used Car Online?
How Can the Internet Help Me Find a Used Car?
What Should I Look for in Used Car Classified Ads?
What Makes for Good Used Car Advertising?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Mary White |
