Stupid oil level question when car is still hot

[alB5]

Hello all, I've been changing the oil in this car for a decent time now (every 5k) and I'm doubting myself with the oil level of the car. I always add 4.3 quarts (down to the '20' on the 5th bottle) and kind of went with it.

Today after work (car still hot) I checked my level and it was well above the top arrow. Should I check only when the car is cold? As when oil is upwards of 180 degrees it surely expands.

Thanks for any insight, I realize this might be a stupid question but better safe than sorry!




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[OCS12]

It's not a hot cold issue. Not all of the old oil drains out. Still worth doing with a warm engine.

 

[Mike V]

4.3 quarts put me above the fill line. Drained some out and 4 quarts put me to the fill line. Noticed this on my 1st oil change.

 

[konatodd]

Taking it down to the 20 oz mark is a little more than 0.3 qt. by a couple ounces.

 

[haste]

a little above, a little below... its not gonna matter unless you have it either grossly overfilled or underfilled.