Reading the dip stick

[Jarrid'sBRZ]

Hello all,

Does any one have any tips for trying to read the dip stick? Every time I use it I only get a bit of oil along the edge of the stick and its impossible to read. Is this how it is for everyone or am I just useless... lol let me know guys!

[MisterSheep]

Originally Posted by Jarrid'sBRZ

Hello all,

Does any one have any tips for trying to read the dip stick? Every time I use it I only get a bit of oil along the edge of the stick and its impossible to read. Is this how it is for everyone or am I just useless... lol let me know guys!

If you're only getting oil along the side, try changing the direction of the dipstick (as in change the way the dipstick is positioned). If that doesn't work then your oil is definitely low.

[Ultramaroon]

I have read here that scuffing up the dipstick with some scotch-brite makes it much easier to read. I haven't tried it but it makes sense. It's easier to see the glossy oil against a matte surface than it is against the shiny surface of the oem dipstick.

If you do try it, make sure all the abrasive dust is cleaned off before you stick it in. Don't contaminate your engine. Sounds obvious but it still bears mentioning.

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

If you do try it, make sure all the abrasive dust is cleaned off before you stick it in.

But isn't that just good common sense advice for life in general?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

But isn't that just good common sense advice for life in general?

Well, yes. I suppose that is true.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I have read here that scuffing up the dipstick with some scotch-brite makes it much easier to read. I haven't tried it but it makes sense. It's easier to see the glossy oil against a matte surface than it is against the shiny surface of the oem dipstick.

If you do try it, make sure all the abrasive dust is cleaned off before you stick it in. Don't contaminate your engine. Sounds obvious but it still bears mentioning.

I have done this (sort of) with every car I have owned in the last 20 years.
I score the dipstick horizontaly between the holes. Not only is it easier to see the oil against the rough surface it actually holds more of it in place on the dipstick.

[Silver Supra]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

...
I score the dipstick horizontaly between the holes. ..

What score did your dipstick get?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Silver Supra

What score did your dipstick get?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

I have done this (sort of) with every car I have owned in the last 20 years.
I score the dipstick horizontaly between the holes. Not only is it easier to see the oil against the rough surface it actually holds more of it in place on the dipstick.

Does scoring it randomly or vertically ruin the effect?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Does scoring it randomly or vertically ruin the effect?

Well it is only basically horizontal so is pretty random. I suppose vertically would have almost the same effect of having the oil stick better. Just don't score too deeply or the car will be off balance to sink like a stone in a turn.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Just don't score too deeply or the car will be off balance to sink like a stone in a turn.

[pfaffendorn]

Originally Posted by Jarrid'sBRZ

Hello all,

Does any one have any tips for trying to read the dip stick? Every time I use it I only get a bit of oil along the edge of the stick and its impossible to read. Is this how it is for everyone or am I just useless... lol let me know guys!

You're not useless, just facing one of the mildly aggravating challenges of prudent car care. I find the same thing upon pulling the dipstick, but I have learned that wiping it clean and reinserting it will give you a pretty clear reading on the second pull. The other guys have creative and useful suggestions, but I think mine is, on balance, less trouble, and uses just one kleenex to perform.

By the way, while we're speaking of oil, I have also found that adding a pint or so more oil above the top hole in the dipstick results in a smoother startup and less metal-on-metal noise on the road. I know I'm probably courting some kind of disaster, but I feel less engine noise means less wear and tear, and it seems to work the same way with both my BRZ and our Legacy 2.5 (which made a horrifying clatter for a few seconds after pushing the start button, but not anymore). And the music of the exhaust is much more enjoyable.

Any comments, y'all?

[Ultramaroon]

I thought wiping and re-inserting was a given. If not then, yes. Pull, wipe, insert, pull, read.

Do not overfill unless you know for a fact where the hard limit is. I don't.

[JD001]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

I thought wiping and re-inserting was a given. If not then, yes. Pull, wipe, insert, pull, read.

Do not overfill unless you know for a fact where the hard limit is. I don't.

Just don't do it too often as you'll run out of oil..