A Dipstick Trick for Reading Clean Engine Oil Levels #13, by My Simple Fix on YouTube. 1 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground, not a slope, and switch the engine off. Wait a few minutes so the oil drains back into the sump.
Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. It usually has a bright handle or an oil-can symbol on it.
Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a paper towel. Note where the full and low marks sit.
Push the dipstick all the way back in, then pull it out again in one smooth motion.
Look at the stick against the paper towel. The clean oil shows as a wet line, so you can see exactly where the level sits.
Compare the wet line to the marks. Add oil only if it sits at or below the low mark, and add a little at a time.
Push the dipstick fully back in and close the bonnet. Check the level again after a short drive if you topped up.
Tips and common mistakes
Hold the dipstick flat over the paper towel so the oil does not run and blur the line.
Never overfill. Too much oil can damage the engine, so add in small amounts and recheck.
Check the oil when the engine is cold or has rested, not straight after a drive.
If the oil looks milky or smells of fuel, get the car checked by a mechanic.
Questions
Why can't I see the oil level on my dipstick?
Fresh oil is almost clear, so it blends into the metal. Laying the stick on a paper towel makes the wet line stand out.
Does the car need to be level to check the oil?
Yes. On a slope the oil pools to one side and you get a false reading, either too high or too low.
How often should I check the oil?
Once a month and before long trips is a good habit, or more often if your car is known to use oil.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
