Oil change - hot or cold engine?

[AJ]

I searched on the subject, but could not find the answer. I've heard both schools of thoughts. I personally always do it when engine is hot- if nothing else the oil drains faster

What do you guys think?

alex
02 gts
few other cars

 

[Geoff Green]

Hot and let it drain for a few hours.

 

[Warren S]

You got it right Alex. Hot, and also wait 15-20 minutes after shutdown so that most of the oil will be at the bottom of the pan. The oil will still be hot.

 

[brianflynn]

I change mine cold since all of the oil will be in the pan anyway and the synthetic oils drain fine. If you ask me changing oil when a car is hot is way out dated.

besides if the engine is cold it has had a while to drain down.

 

[Steve Miehe]

The dirt in your oil is suspended when the oil is hot vs. sitting in the bottom of your oil pan when oil is cold. Drain when hot and the dirt comes out with the oil.