Official oil check procedure

[F6HAD]

I always checked cold and filled to just below the top marker. Yes I know about thermal expansion but really I believe Honda would have accounted for that in their markings on the dipstick.. and in the scheme of things, that 250ml extra isn't enough to blow your oil pump (honest).

 

[hondavroom]

The procedure on the Honda manual is to check when the engine is cold and at level surface. In fact my car has a Honda sticker on the windsreen right above my head confirming the same.

This is a common procedure on all cars of all makes

Oil expands in volume with increase in temperature. You may be well wasting your time checking this when the engine has been just put off.

To sum it all "CHECK THE OIL LEVEL ONLY WHEN IT IS COLD"