Variations in oil level readings

[gs.davies]

How can the oil level on the dipstick drop 1/4 inch AFTER being sat overnight from a previous reading the day before where the oil was dipped after the engine being stopped for about two hours? The oil's not on the floor. I just can't understand how I can get such variations in the levels. If anything, I'd expect it to INCREASE after being sat overnight.

[whistler]

Oil volume expands when it is hot and contracts when it gets cold. Most liquids/fluids do.

[gs.davies]

Yes I get that, but 1/4 inch, or about 1/4 pint?? I wouldn’t have thought the expansion is perceptible

[Polarsilver]

Thinking this is a normal oil level thing on my Minis .. also have a Fiat Camper van & so long as i can see the oil level somewhere on the Dip Stick with Fiat wierd oil level markings then i am Happy .. dunno about todays Modern Vehicles "Without any Dipstick" .. needing to scroll through some display screen to find out "if" there is any oil in the sump to me that is scary & would stop me buying any new car without a proper Oil Level Dipstick or a spare wheel .. sorry i am now off subject .

[Peter Laidler]

It is all to do with net-zero and climate change..... I almost forgot. Gender equality too