Checking the oil

Noob question here. How to properly check my oil w/ the dipstick and make sure I didn't add too much in. I have a '13 Tacoma and an '18 Tundra, did the oil change on both vehicles recently. I did the Tundra yesterday, added 8.5 quarts in to spec and let the truck run for awhile and drove it to make sure it cycled well through the filter.

Do you put it all the way in and pull it out to check the proper levels, or leave it out at one of the notches on the yellow handle?



Putting it all the way in.



Leaving it out about to the rubber seal.

 

Always go ring deep. Always.

 

How about the 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th time? lol. I think I may need to drain some out then.

 

I wouldn't worry about being slightly overfilled like that. Could also check to make sure you're on level ground. The most important thing with checking oil is to make sure you're doing it the same way every time. The dipstick is an imperfect tool, so ensuring you're on the same bit of level ground, checking after a similar cool down period, etc helps you find discrepancies.

For example, I find it much simpler to check the oil in my driveway before I start the engine for the first time that day. In my mind, you can then validate how much oil is the in the pan as it's had many hours to drain back into the pan.

 

To keep from overfilling, I generally put in about a 1/2 qt less than the manual calls for, as it's hard to get all the oil out just from draining. Then I top off after the fact if needed, generally checking the level like BecauseRacer above does -- cool after sitting overnight.

 

Here is a vid of checking fluids for your reference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNk190s9UpA

 

Words we live by Saltyhero13

 

That goes for every ring, everytime.

 

@OHw3ndlingTRD You'll be fine, it wont bother anything.
Next 10k oil change start it with 8qts.

 

Agreed. I will be doing this next change. Appreciate all the tips and suggestions everyone

 

Haha too late already drained a bit. Did it right from the drain plug and didn't cause really any mess so that's a plus. Dropped it down just about dead even with the high mark. Getting into doing my own maintenance on all our vehicles, good excused to run to the garage. Your '18 drinks that much oil, good to know.