Oil Change: Hot or Cold?

[Hermann]

Changed oil yesterday when the oil when it was probably about 100°F. Barely felt warm on the skin. The drain took a what I felt was a bit longer than my cold drain the last time. Probably just my Neuriva addicted brain. With lots of folks saying they smell fuel in these new cars, I did not detect any aroma floating about, even after the engine kicked on for 15 seconds climbing the ramps. After 7700 miles in the hybrid, the oil was a dark brown. Some brownish red hues as it was backlit by the sun while draining. I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference hot or cold. YMMV

 

[RyanY]

impossible question- how frequently do cold-changed engines actually wear out compared to warm-changed engines?

I think we all know the answer to that!

 

[CheezWhiz]

I think we all know the answer to that!

i think anyone that follows the manufacturer's recommendations re: oil specs, filtration, and intervals is extraordinarily unlikely to have a lubrication-related failure irrespective of whether they use premium or economy oils and filters and irrespective of whether they change their oil hot or cold ...

 

[Luftmasse]

Ideally hot. But I also have done cold due to circumstances.

 

[odie]

Usually drive car around 20 miles , put on ramps , shut off and let set for 20+ minutes .

 

[BHopkins]

This thread almost got me convinced to drain cold.

Then I saw this: draining hot for 1 hour drains the same amount of oil as draining cold for 6 hours!

That video is from our own BITOG member @Owen Lucas.

So ultimately, to the engine it doesn't matter if you drain hot or cold. It only matters to the person doing the change.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I knew I forgot something today while changing oil. I should have bought myself a temp gun to check how hot the oil was draining out