dip stick dilemma
 

Same weird dip stick arrangement as our previous car (Nissan)..... it seems to bend to be almost horizontal where it gets down in the oil.
This means that when you pull it out you get vastly different levels on either side. WHY??

Not only that, the metal is so smooth it holds such a thin coating of oil that you can hardly see it. I have roughened both sides which helps. (Holes would be better) .

NOT ONLY THAT but I can't see how you can avoid the possibility of oil splashing up past the true level when you you push it all the way in unless you ease it in
slowly/carefully once the o-ring enters the tube.

Am I missing something?

I dunno about you, but was have holes in our dipsticks here... Owners manual states to use the lower measurement of the two sides as well.

As it's a boxer, it has a large, flat oil pan without a deep sump, so being a level ground is also a must.

Yes, and so is checking HOT oil .. some oils expand significantly although in our case, with a shallow depth. I guess that is less important.

Use scotch brite on the dip stick. It helps with readability (not kidding) You read the lowest side. /thread

I am gratified to know I'm not the only one struggling to read the level. Yes I do know to read the lowest side.
I can imagine the Scotch Brite would help but how do you use it? If stuck on, wouldn't it soon come off or am I thick?

It puts fine scratches on it and makes it easier to see the oil. I'm talking about this.

http://s.productreview.com.au/produc...3d71e7c154.jpg

Just trust me. Just scratch it parallel with the dipstick itself.

Oh and DOH. I was thinking of that bright reflective Scotch TAPE stuff ... not the scratchy scouring pad things. "The dreaded" has some in the kitchen and I will give it a go and I am sure the finer scratches will be better than my scratches made with point of a geometry compass.
Thanks for going to the trouble of posting the pic of the correct product.