Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle in top shape, learning to read what your dipstick says is a must. This simple yet essential skill can make all the difference in maintaining a smooth, well-running ride.
But how do you read the oil level on a dipstick?
We’ll breeze you through the steps for reading an engine oil dipstick and what you can do if the oil level isn’t optimum. You’ll also learn how often you should check your car’s engine oil level and how to choose the right oil for your vehicle.
Let’s get going.
This Article Contains:
- How to Read Oil Level on Dipstick? (Step-by-Step)
- How Much Oil Should You Have on the Dipstick
- How to Top-Up Engine Oil (Step-by-Step)
- 5 FAQs on Engine Oil
How to Read Oil Level on Dipstick? (Step-by-Step)
A dipstick is a long, thin metal rod sitting in a tube in the engine block. The tube runs from the crankcase to the oil pan or reservoir, keeping the dipstick partly submerged in engine oil to measure the current oil level.
However, modern vehicles now offer enhanced functionality by having electronic sensors to complement or even replace the traditional dipstick. They provide real-time monitoring and alerts for oil levels.
Note: If you’re not confident about your knowledge of car parts, we advise that you take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
Here are the steps to perform an oil check using the dipstick:
- Park the vehicle on a level surface. Being on level ground will allow a more accurate reading.
- Wait at least 5 minutes for the oil to settle and the engine to cool if you’ve been driving around. This will help avoid any inaccurate reading.
Note: You can look up the owner’s manual to see if the manufacturer recommends checking the oil level on either a warm engine or a cold engine. - Open your car’s hood.
- Locate the oil dipstick in the engine bay. Some vehicles have it in the front of the engine bay, while others have it near the valve cover. You can consult the owner’s manual for it.
- Remove the dipstick from the dipstick tube and wipe it with a clean rag or a thick paper towel.
- Slowly insert the dipstick back completely into its tube and pull it out once again.
- Note the hash mark or hole near the lower end of the dipstick. Some may have “add” and “safe,” “L,” and “H,” or “max” and “min” oil symbols on them in addition to the markings.
Here’s what these markings mean:
- Sufficient oil: If the oil level reading is between the two perforations or markings.
- Low oil: If the oil level is at or below the lower line, hole, or dots, usually represented by “L” or “min” symbols.
- Excess oil: If the oil level reading is above the upper mark or dots on the dipstick, often indicated by the “max” or “H” symbol.
Tip: If you find the engine oil dipstick hard to read or think you’re getting an inaccurate reading, try rubbing it with fine-grit sandpaper. This can help the dipstick pick up oil more easily. Remember to wipe the dipstick with a clean rag before inserting it back into the dipstick tube.
Now that you’ve read the oil level, let’s get it in the correct range.
How Much Oil Should You Have on the Dipstick
Reading your car’s oil level is one thing, but understanding what it means and what steps to take next is vital.
A. Full – Optimal Situation
If the oil level shows an accurate reading between the two perforations or markings, then your oil is at the optimal level. Assuming that the oil color is golden, nothing needs to be done further.
B. Low Oil – Top-Up is Needed
If your oil level is close to the lower mark, your first step should be to top it up to a safe level before heading to a mechanic for an oil change. Driving a car with a low oil level may cause engine damage.
Low motor oil levels can result from worn piston rings and engine leaks (e.g., an oil leak from the drain plug). There’s also some inherent oil consumption by engines, but it shouldn’t be more than a quart for every 2000 miles (for a car that has done less than 50,000 miles.) A 4-cylinder engine generally holds about 5 quarts of oil.
However, aged engines tend to burn motor oil faster, accelerating oil consumption.
Important: Topping up aged engine oil will contaminate the new oil and shouldn’t be taken as a substitute for an oil change.
C. High Oil Level
If the oil dipstick level exceeds the upper mark, several factors could be responsible.
Motor oil levels may rise due to water condensation in the crankcase, which occurs when the vehicle is driven short distances daily, keeping the engine cooler.
Engine oil levels can also increase due to fuel or coolant leakages. Here are some signs you should look for:
- Fuel leak: You may notice the smell of petrol or diesel on the oil dipstick. This indicates fuel dilution in engine oil, resulting from a worn seal or gasket, leaking fuel injectors, or idling for too long.
- Coolant leak: This can cause brown bubbles or a dried residue above the oil line. The oil on the dipstick might resemble chocolate milk. A damaged head gasket or cracked cylinder head usually results in a coolant leak, leading to white smoke and a sweet exhaust odor.
Any sign of water and a suspected fuel or coolant leak in your car’s engine oil means you should see a mechanic immediately, as this contamination can harm the oil’s lubrication quality.
However, if you mistakenly overfilled your car’s oil, simply drain the excess through the oil pan drain plug to correct the level.
D. Dirty Oil – Change Your Oil
New oil is golden and translucent but will darken over time as it circulates through the engine. Oil degradation and contamination cause it to get thicker. If the oil has a thick consistency and a black or dark brown color, you’ll need an oil change soon.
Thicker oil is harder to pump, leading to increased friction and poor fuel economy. Oil with very low or high viscosity also causes low oil pressure, triggering the oil pressure warning light (the dashboard oil symbol).
Note: While low oil can be topped up, dirty or low and dirty oil requires a complete oil change or flush. We advise that an oil flush should be done by a qualified mechanic.
Now that we have a better understanding of engine oil levels, let’s discuss how to top it up when it’s low.
How to Top-Up Engine Oil (Step-by-Step)
Topping up low engine oil is a simple procedure when you follow these necessary steps carefully:
- Park on a level surface and cool the engine: Park your car on level ground (flat ground) and let the engine cool down for at least 5 minutes.
- Locate the oil cap: Open the hood and find the oil filler cap, usually labeled “Engine Oil” or with an oil can icon, and open it.
- Add oil: If the oil level is near the lower mark, slowly pour in the recommended type of oil — from official vendors — a little oil at a time. Use a funnel to avoid spills. Try to add one quart at a time to prevent overfilling.
- Recheck the level: Wait a few seconds for the oil to settle, then recheck the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary, but don’t overfill.
- Secure the cap: Once the oil is at the correct level, securely replace the oil filler cap to prevent an oil leak.
- Dispose of oil safely: If you spill any oil, clean it up immediately and dispose of any used oil containers properly.
Next, we’ll cover a few important FAQs.
5 FAQs on Engine Oil
Here are answers to some important engine oil-related FAQs:
1. How Often Should You Check the Engine Oil Level?
You should check your car’s oil level every 1000 miles or after every few weeks. Always perform an oil check before going on a long trip.
Some modern cars can tell you when your oil tank needs attention, but you shouldn’t wait for that oil symbol to appear on the dashboard. You should also stick to the manufacturer-specified engine oil change interval — which can range from every 1,000 miles to 10,000 miles.
2. Why Is Checking Your Car’s Engine Oil Level Important?
Checking your car’s engine oil level and oil filter at regular intervals is crucial to ensure optimal lubrication of the engine. Engine oil reduces friction between moving parts, prevents overheating, and minimizes wear and tear.
Low or dirty oil can damage the engine, reduce efficiency, and even cause complete engine failure. Regularly monitoring the oil level helps extend the engine’s lifespan.
3. Does Being a Quart Low on Oil Impact Your Car’s Performance?
If you’re driving in typical conditions, a quart low may not affect your car’s performance much. However, the car’s oil plays a critical role in keeping your engine running smoothly.
For example, it helps cool vital engine components like the bearings and protects parts like the crankcase from sludge, dirt, and other contaminants. So maintaining the correct level of oil is essential.
4. How to Choose the Right Type of Motor Oil for Your Vehicle?
When choosing the right engine oil for your vehicle, there are two factors to consider — oil type and oil viscosity. Fortunately, your vehicle’s owner’s manual should tell you exactly which oil to use.
Still, it’s important to understand the types of engine oils and when they are used.
A. Oil Viscosity
Motor oils are rated by viscosity, which indicates flow at a different operating temperature. Numbers like 5W-30 show cold engine start (first number) and normal temperature performance (second number).
Lower numbers mean thinner oil for better cold flow, while higher numbers, like 20W-50, indicate thicker oil for heat protection.
B. Types of Engine Oils
- Conventional: Petroleum-based, budget-friendly, ideal for standard driving and older engines
- Synthetic: Chemically engineered for better performance in extreme conditions, longer-lasting with less sludge and better protection
- Synthetic-blend: A mix of conventional and synthetic oil, offering better performance at a lower cost than full synthetic oil
- High-mileage: For vehicles over 75,000 miles, with additives to reduce leaks, clean sludge, and extend engine life
5. How Do You Prolong the Life of Your Engine Oil?
Here are some tips to ensure your motor oil remains effective for a long period:
- Avoid aggressive and high-speed driving.
- Minimize short trips as it prevents the car’s oil from reaching its optimal operating temperature.
- Look out for signs like excessive exhaust smoke, odd noises, and a lit check engine light or oil light, as these indicate potential oil issues.
- Avoid excessive idling, as the engine won’t operate at its most efficient temperature.
- Get car maintenance service at regular intervals, like changing the oil filter and checking oil levels.
- Always use the type of oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer and sold by official vendors.
Simplify Oil Changes with AutoNation Mobile Service
Periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick can help you avoid engine damage. It’s best to include this in your arsenal of DIY car maintenance activities.
If the test points to bad oil quality or a problematic oil level, seek professional assistance from AutoNation Mobile Service.
We’re a mobile auto repair and maintenance service that you can reach out to for an oil change, engine inspection, and other automotive repairs right from your driveway.