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Why not check oil BEFORE driving?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by davide, Sep 22, 2016.

  1. davide

    davide Junior Member

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    Two
    I don't worry about it, so I don't check it often, but....To check the engine-oil level, my owner's manual says: "After warming up the engine and turning off...wait more than 5 minutes (my emphasis) for the oil to drain back into the bottom of the engine." The implication is that not doing it precisely this way would lead to a misleading result.
    It's easier to just check the oil first thing, before starting the engine. What's wrong with that?
     
    #1 davide, Sep 22, 2016
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've never noticed an appreciable difference, one way or the other. One thing, if it's sim to third gen Prius hatchback: it really helps to remove and wipe the dipstick, then wait about 5 minutes before re-insert to check. This gives the oil a chance to drain down the dipstick tube I guess, makes it much easier to read; there's no smearing above the true oil level.
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Sep 22, 2016
  3. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    #3 JimboPalmer, Sep 22, 2016
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