Is It Better to Change Oil Hot or Cold?

It seems intuitive that if time is not a factor, the most thorough way to change engine oil is by letting the car sit overnight, then next morning allowing the oil to drain out of the sump for several hours.

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Doesn’t that get every bit of old oil out of the car? Isn’t it safer to change the oil cold instead of when it’s hot, likely over 200 degrees F? Not necessarily. When it comes to the question, “Is it best to change oil hot or cold?” the answer might surprise you.

Most oil experts say it’s better to drain the oil when it’s hot instead of when it’s cold, for several reasons: