When should the engine oil be checked?

The appropriate time to check engine oil is when the engine is not running. This is crucial because checking the oil while the engine is running can lead to inaccurate readings due to the oil being disturbed and circulated throughout the engine. Furthermore, if the engine is hot, the oil may also be thin and not settle properly, which could lead to misinterpretation of the oil level. Allowing the engine to cool ensures that the oil has settled back into the oil pan, providing a more accurate level reading. Therefore, it is standard practice to check the oil level after the engine has been turned off and allowed to rest for a period, ensuring that readings reflect the true quantity of oil present.