How long to run motor for before changing oil?

[LuckyTaxi]

Yeah I'm a wuss but a smart wuss. I want to change the oil in my car. Luckily it's our second car so I don't drive it every day. If it's been idle all day, I assume I would want to start up the engine and have it run for a few minutes prior to draining the oil? Is this required and for how long? Last thing I want is to burn my hands.

 

[Torn Mind]

Not required at all. It is to make the oil less viscous and thus have more drip out more quickly.

 

[jlee]

Not required at all. It is to make the oil less viscous and thus have more drip out more quickly.

+1. Just change it cold...you're going to get the vast majority of it out anyway.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yes, just make sure it's been sitting long enough for all the oil to drain back down into the pan. Warm or cold doesn't really matter.

 

[mizzou]

http://www.cartalk.com/content/which-better-changing-your-oil-when-engine-hot-or-cold