How long to run engine before oil change
- should you change oil hot or cold
- should you check oil hot or cold
- should you change oil warm or cold
- should you change motorcycle oil hot or cold
Can you add oil to a cold engine
Why should you warm up the engine before draining the oil...
HowTune
If you're asking for oil change instructions, you'll no doubt eventually run into someone that advises running the car to heat up the oil before you start.
Having always waited for my engine to cool, this sounded crazy so I wanted to do the research so you guys all know what's the best way to go.
Reasons cited for changing it warm:
- Hot oil is thinner, and drains faster
- Warm/mixed oil could suspend more particulate and contaminants.
- Hotter oil will drain more completely from various parts of the engine
- A recently run engine will be better lubricated upon restart
- Warm oil filter seals may be easier to remove
- My dad taught me this way.
Reasons cited for changing it cold:
- No worries about getting burned.
- It doesn't take that much longer, if at all.
- More oil will have drained into the oil pan since it's been sitting longer.
- More drained oil means more suspended contaminants will come out with the oil.
- A cold engine start after an oil change isn't that bad, especially if you pre-fill the filter.