Hi,

When I checked my engine oil this morning with dipstick the line mark is just above the serated area of the dipstick. i.e. the oil mark has just reached the bottom line of the "serated area". Normally this is fine but i'm concerned because should it be like this when the engine is cold (car hasnt been used since yesterday)

Or should i top it up a bit more so that the oil level rises so that its deeper and more comfortably into the "serated region" of the dipstick?

very confused after reading this

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_103_check-oil.html

and then this

http://motortorque.askaprice.com/articles/auto-0807/how-to-check-your-car39s-oil-levels.asp

one says to check it when the engine is warm and the other cold

Edited 2 February, 201016 yr by newskoda

I was always taught to check oil level cold (because you don't have anything up to a pint that should be in the sump up in the galleries when the engine's cold). After all, then it's first checked after an oil change, there is nothing to speak of anyplace but in the sump (well, films, which get replaced once the oil pressure builds, or stripped if it doesn't).

There's nothing specifically "wrong" with running an oil level near the "top up" mark, but you do need to keep more of an eye on it, because you can afford to lose less before getting to the "possible engine damage" level.

If you look in the manual, I'm pretty sure it tells you that 1.2s need to be tested with the engine warm and all others with the engine cold. If it's not the 1.2, it'll definitely tell you which it is! Also, in the manual, it explains that you should top up straightaway if the oil is below the 'serrated' region, you MAY top up if it is within the serrated region, and you should NOT top up if it is above this region (although you only need to drain some if it's above the 'kink'). Personally, I keep it between halfway down the serrated region and the top of it...

A good starting point would be to follow the advice on pages 194 and 195 of the Owner's Manual. If you don't have access to a manual, you can download a copy from Skoda via the link at the foot of this post.

The manual says that the oil should be checked at regular intervals, preferably every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches. Skoda recommend maintaining the oil level within the hatchedf/serrated level if the engine has been operating at high loads...but not above this. To check the oil level:

- Park on a horizontal surface.

- Switch the engine off.

- Open the bonnet.

- Wait a few minutes and pull the dipstick out

.- Wipe it off with a clean cloth and reinsert it again fully.

- Withdraw the dipstick and read off the oil level.

1. If the oil level is above the hatched/serrated area but below the first upper bend in the dipstick or the upper round 'indicator' (depending on dipstick type), you must not top up the oil. If the oil level is above this area, there is a danger of damaging the catalytic converter.

2. If the oil level is within the hatched/serrated area, you may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within the range mentioned above.

3. If the oil level is below the hatched/serrated area but above the first bend in the dipstick (or the lower round 'indicator'), you must top up with oil, It is sufficient having done this to keep the oil within the hatched/serrated range.

(The manual includes a diagram and refers to ranges a, b and c. I have tried to explain those ranges in the absence of a diagram here).

N.B. In the case of the 1.2 l/47 kWH engine, the oil level must always be checked when the engine is warm.

All that said, I have always checked the oil level for cars I have owned after they have been parked overnight on a level surface. I also maintain the oil level at or near the upper level of the hatched/serrated range.

http://www.skoda-aut...ages/fabia.aspx

P.S. The trouble with longer replies is that someone always beats you to it....