Can I change the oil when the oil is cold?

[callbay]

I change oil on many vehicles from pickups to cars to heavy equipment for my family. Often it is hard to get to change the oil after it has been running for a while to get it hot.

I would like to change some of the oil when the engines are cold. Will that leave a lot of problem materials in the engine instead of draining out with hot oil?

Thanks!

 

[229]

It takes longer to drain.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

I don't think so. If I change in the winter I like to let it warm up some for a faster drain. In the summer I don't worry about it. I think the gunk will be in suspension or in the oil filter.

 

[chubbs1]

I don't think there is any problem changing the oil cold, it only really make a difference if you are taking a sample out for UOA. Change away.

**If it is actually cold ie ambient temps are below 40F, yes it is better to change hot IMO especially if it is a 10w,15w,20w or straight grade. You will get more oil out and it doesn't take as long.

 

[2oldtommy]

IMO always change it within 30 minutes of a hot shutdown. FWIW-Oldtommy

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: 2oldtommy
IMO always change it within 30 minutes of a hot shutdown. FWIW-Oldtommy


I prefer this method. +1 Of course you can change it cold but why.

 

[VNTS]

I always change it cold, most of the oil has drained into the pan and the stuff in the oil is in suspension so it really doesnt matter.

 

[dubie2003]

What is the definition of "cold"?

I always drive the vehicle a few miles atleast to get the oil warm before doing an OC. My prefered method is to get it to operating temp atleast to ensure everything is in suspension and the oil will drain nicely.

 

[qdeezie]

You won't hurt anything by changing it cold. Especially if it's difficult to drain hot. When I first started driving eons ago, I used to drain cold, but I don't do it anymore only because I prefer it to drain faster.

 

[fastbear]

Occasionally during the winter one of the vehicles had to be changed outside in the snow so the engine might be warm or cold. No matter the temp., the oil was going to be changed, just takes a little longer.

 

[Texan4Life]

I prefer to change it cold. Hot oil seems to make a bigger mess, not to mention the hazards of getting burned.

 

[jorton]

I changed mine cold(about 90f) for the first time. Now, I don't see any reason not to do it that way from now on.

 

[C4Dave]

I've changed mine cold for years. I hate hot oil on my fingers.

 

[pavelow]

Originally Posted By: callbay
I change oil on many vehicles from pickups to cars to heavy equipment for my family. Often it is hard to get to change the oil after it has been running for a while to get it hot.

I would like to change some of the oil when the engines are cold. Will that leave a lot of problem materials in the engine instead of draining out with hot oil?

Thanks!
Yes you can change the oil when it's cold...it's not the optimal way to do it, but it can be done without any harm. I've done it in the past.

 

[antonmnster]

I prefer warm. On the e46 BMW I can do hot since the filter is easy and so is the drain. The A6 is a lot more involved, so I settle for warm.

This winter I changed the oil on a John Deere 4030 (?) tractor at work. It was WAY overdue to I warmed it up to loosen up the soot. When I removed the 1 1/4" drain plug the oil came FLYING out like a bomb, hit the drain pan, which redirected it in a radial pattern. It made about a 10' circular stain on the floor. It looked like about 7 quarts came out in about 1/3 of a second. Of course, I got nailed by it. In the future, I'll do that one cold!

 

[mechtech2]

Cold drains are fine. Think about all the time oil has to settle down to the pan.
It will drain slower, but no big deal.
Worried about a 1/2 cup extra oil left [actually hot or cold]? Don't!

 

[walk23]

Doesn't make a difference. In the winter I change hot but during the summer I do a cold change.

 

[K20FA5]

I almost always change it cold. I got tired of burning my arms on exhaust pipes a long time ago!

I guess I would change it hot if I had a car that I could do everything from the top, but if I have to crawl under it, it's gonna be cold!

 

[JoeWGauss]

As long as it sat for a period to cool down so all the particles are at the bottom of the oil pan I would change it cold.

It is much easier and more pleasant because you don't get hot oil burning your hands.

 

[Steve S]

It is probably better to drain hot, but it always is best to change the oil on a regular basis. Just change it no matter how you do it.