I know the procedures for checking oil. But dont know how high the level should be. I've noticed there is an "H" on the dipstick. Where should the oil level be at? The middle, or right at the tip of the "H"

 

Top of the H means oil is full.

 

incorrect.

you don't want to try to tip the level all the way up to the "H" there is too much margin for error; one reason is that your car may not be as hot as possible when mesuring the level. the space between the "L" and the "H" is known as "the operating range" ...anywhere in between the two hashes is totally full. remember that slightly low oil is always better than slightly overfull, unless you like blowing seals and stressing rings. this holds true for your grandma's fairmont, and a z.

 

So sausage, ideally you'd want to check your oil level when the motor is cold. And the ideal level should be below the "H"???

 

no, check the oil when hot, just as directed.

when i said "the vehicle may not be as hot as possible" ...that means your oil level could be slightly higher sometimes due to expansion under different conditions when it gets hotter than it is at any given testing time.

not to be a smartass at all... but you all know how heat expands things like liquid, right?

the ideal oil level could possibly be pinned at "H" ...but that would be on the very hottest day after driving as hard as you ever do, or it could maybe be even hotter sitting in a traffic jam. if you check the oil right then: pinned at "H" is great... as long as you are sure that's as hot as your car could possibly ever get.

you could never know for sure exactly how hot a car may possibly be getting in a given situation... unless you have employed elves or possibly friendly gremlins that dynamically check your oil level while you are still sitting in traffic jams or while you are going 120 MPH.

so, yes, the correct level when the engine is hot is somewhere between "L" and "H" ... i like to keep it at right about the middle.

 

Ok where did U guys learn to pull that oil dipstick out? That's gotta be the weirdest dipstick ever. It's almost shaped like an L. By the time I get it out, all the oil has dripped off.

 

yes, i think that is my only z complaint, so far.

if i am lucky ...i can pull my stick out without it getting hung up.

i know, sounds like i have a personal problem.

 

Then after you put the stick BACK in, the oil is ALL over and you have no hope of getting an accurate reading.

The best way to check the oil is to DRAIN every last drop, discard it all, then carefully fill the engine with the proper amount of new oil...