why would you check your oil when cold ? is that how the engine uses the oil ? for 99.9999% of the cars run time the engine will be hot, this is when the oild needs to be correct (not saying when its cold it shouldnt be correct either)

oil should always be checked when at running temp, and the car has been placed on level ground, engine switched off for a few minutes. thats for all std 4cylinder wet sump motors i know of.

my diesel engine shows nothing on the dipstick when cold, when hot its fine, never uses a drop for 10,000 miles.