Okay, this is a really basic question, but I need advice on how to interpret the engine oil level on the dipstick.


When I look on the front side of the dipstick, the level is up with the Full mark. However, on the reverse side of the dipstick the level is always much lower (about 1/4 up from the Low mark). I've seen this before and I don't understand why there is a difference.


I know that over filling the engine is as bad as having low oil, so exactly what should I be doing? I always remove the dipstick and clean it before inserting it to take a reading.

 

Aparently you take the lowest reading. I've never been able to get a proper reading on my hatch. 9 out 10 times it above the full mark , but the other 1 time it's just above the lowest level.
I'm just happy if there's any oil at all TBH !!

 

On my classic if you push the stick back in at a certain angle it catches the sides on the way down and can look like oil level higher.

I don't really have a problem just try slide it in gently. Try not to let mine drop below half try keep it as close to max as possible, as I have a slight oil leak having done soon.

 

Best tip I ever got for oil check is:
Remove dipstick,leave for 5 mins or so(pulling the dipstick out leaves oil in the tube)
Then when you put the dipstick back in,go three quarters down slowly,then the final quarter go quickly and straight back out fast.
I get a perfect reading on both sides using this method.

 

I'm impatient so I have a bit of pipe that I use to blow down the dip stick tube to clear it quickly, works for me.

 

Nice tips. I'll give them a try.