This has probably been asked already, but I can't seem to find the answer for it so I apologize in advance.
My question is - where should the oil reading be? Should it be at the max line? I've noticed that after adding 4.5 quarts of oil for my oil change today that it was right on the max mark. But after letting it sit for a couple of hours, the level went between the min and max line. Which reading is more accurate? The reading before or after the car sits for hours?
TIA

 

On the record the car talks 4.5 quarts, however, many just poor in 5. Any point on the hash marks is OK.

Mke

 

Typically the appropriate time to take a reading is about 5-10 minutes after running the engine for a while. This will bring the oil up to operating temperature, and 5-10 minutes is enough time for most of the oil to flow back into the oil pan for a good reading. Anywhere between the two lines on the dipstick is perfectly fine.

 

Thanks fellas. I just get a little paranoid some times.

 

In addition to the other responses ... my Acura service man said to go by the oil % rate for the life of oil in the info. display and not by miles on the car (like the usual 3,000 mile oil change routine most people follow).