Originally Posted by jsisabella
Engine was cold - level would be a bit lower - probably just enough to keep it in the OK range...
Actually the oil level will show its highest when the car has been sitting for a few hours. That way it has had time to run down from the head to the bottom of the pan. Has nothing to do with it being hot or cold.
Hot will only thin it out, cold its a little thicker. When it is all at the bottom of the pan, it don't matter.