Hot Oil Change or Cold Oil Change

[Flyfisherman]

Guy's

Always been a ball of contention as per the above subject - "Which is best" to do on a modern / classic.

I ask the question because my Merc Vito goes to Enza at Warrington for servicing - I have to drive to Warrington so the engine oil is hot, so drain oil whilst hot or leave it till it goes cold - engine oil change is the last service activity to do.

Also my Octy Vrs is going for a service this Frday - I have to travel to Congleton (about 20 miles for me) as I go to an independant VAG garage, once again the oil will be hot, so drain oil whilst hot or leave it till it goes cold.

Paul

[geeksteve]

I always change oil when hot, runs more and brings more of the crud out with it. Hurts more if you get it up your sleeve though.

[Carledo]

Whenever possible, I change oil when its hot, even if I have to warm the engine first! It was one of the first things I was taught as a spotty 16 year old apprentice, 40+ years on and many thousands of oil changes later, I still do it the same way.

Steve

[Toledo Man]

I'm with both Steves on this one but I give it a few minutes for the oil to cool down a bit so you don't scald yourself when you undo the drain plug.

[SprintMWU773V]

I tend to go warm rather than hot. I did the Mazda at the weekend, took it for about a mile run, came back. Nice and warm but not so hot that it scalds you. This approach has always served me well. Even if changing the lawnmower oil I let it run for a bit to warm it, then drain.

[Sundowner]

I always change oil when hot, runs more and brings more of the crud out with it. Hurts more if you get it up your sleeve though.

You should always drain oil when its hot. As mentioned, it flows easier, more completely and in less time, than when cold.
Cheers,
Rob

[Karlos]

Yep, always hot.