Checking the oil.

[SebastienClement]

Hi all.

How do you folks check your oil if you don't have any level ground available? The area where we park our cars is not level at all. I've always just made sure the oil level is as close to max as possible when the car is on a slight incline.

This probably isn't the best way, as it'll be slightly over filled, I reckon.

I can't take the car anywhere else without letting it cool off before checking either. I suppose there is a service station about a mile away... I could check everything else first then the oil?

[jimmy156]

Does it matter that much if its cool or not? doesen't seem to make a difference to me.

Like you say I'd just find somewhere flat and check it there!

[Papa Hotel]

Absolutely everywhere you ever park is on a steep incline? What about work? Supermarket? Your mummy's house? Nowhere at all?

[HaylingJag]

Have you checked the tyre pressured on the nearside of your car???

[SebastienClement]

Papa Hotel said:

Absolutely everywhere you ever park is on a steep incline? What about work? Supermarket? Your mummy's house? Nowhere at all?

I'm afraid not! I know it sounds daft, but everywhere I tend to leave it it leans somewhat! Think I might park it over night somewhere flat in the village and walk down there the next morning.

[eldar]

Leave it until the low oil level light and alarm comes on. Car will be faster as there is less weight.

[SebastienClement]

eldar said:

Leave it until the low oil level light and alarm comes on. Car will be faster as there is less weight.

Doesn't have either.

[Papa Hotel]

SebastienClement said:

I'm afraid not! I know it sounds daft, but everywhere I tend to leave it it leans somewhat! Think I might park it over night somewhere flat in the village and walk down there the next morning.

Yep, I could go with that.

[jimmy156]

just check it when its warm! I have been doing it every week since i had my 156 (2 1/2 years) without any problem.

[SebastienClement]

Papa Hotel said:

Yep, I could go with that.

Lol. Well, sorry for living in a hilly area!

[Disco You]

Push it to the service station.

[Mr Sparkle]

Just do it at a petrol station, go some place flat even if it is the side of the road. Engine doesn't need to be cold just let it sit for a minute to let the oil drain down to the sump.

[davepoth]

The petrol station is a good spot for this since they're always pretty level and you have to go to one regularly.

[chazola]

It does need to be cool to check accurately, or the engine stopped for at least 10 mins. Oil can take a while to drain back to the sump.

Just check after you've been to the supermarket or something...

[GTIR]

If it's registering on the dip stick there is loads of oil in the sump and the engine will not get starved.
Just do it till 3 qtr full that way if it's actually higher it'll be full and if lower it'll be half on the dipstick, which is only a small amount of oil.

If still in doubt get your mum to do it.

[SebastienClement]

chazola said:

Just check after you've been to the supermarket or something...

But I don't use a supermarket! Everything we get comes from market, where there is no room for cars!

[Bill]

Surely it's not that hard? Go somewhere flat, let the car cool, check/top up the oil. Then drive home, park on the drive and let it cool. Check oil, take note of level required.

No?

[HaylingJag]

Brim it!!!

[SebastienClement]

Bill said:

Surely it's not that hard? Go somewhere flat, let the car cool, check/top up the oil. Then drive home, park on the drive and let it cool. Check oil, take note of level required.

No?

Tbh, never thought of that!

[jimmy156]

SebastienClement said:

chazola said:

Just check after you've been to the supermarket or something...

But I don't use a supermarket! Everything we get comes from market, where there is no room for cars!

Come on man! If you cant figure out a way to check your oil, you should probably hand your license back!