Any tips on reading the dipstick accurately?

Just did an oil change on my truck and I'm finding it pretty difficult to get a read on the oil level on the dipstick — there's no solid line delineating where the new (almost clear) oil ends and dry dipstick begins.

It seems like the dipstick is dragging its way up the tube, picking up all sorts of oil and messing up what is probably a solid line at the start, but by the time I get it out and take a look, it's practically abstract art.

Here's what I've tried so far:

1. Standard oil change + new filter; putting in about 6 quarts.
2. First attempt: checked it entirely cold without ever running the engine (before buttoning everything up) = abstract art on the dipstick.
3. Second attempt: let the engine run for about 15 minutes, shut it down for about 60 minutes, checked again = abstract art on the dipstick.
4. Third attempt (after reading the owner's manual's suggested process): drove it to work, shut it down, waited only 5 minutes, and checked it warm = abstract art on the dipstick.

With the oil being so danged clean and nearly see-through, and with the dipstick dragging it's ass up the tube … how are we supposed to know?

…or, am I over-thinking it? Perhaps "put in 6 quarts and move on" is the answer, here?

P.S. I can't stand abstract art.

 

I lightly scuffed both sides of the dipstick with a green Scotchbrite pad which seems to help.

 

Sand paper is the solution for the challenge of reading the dipstick.

Sand the end of the dipstick, wipe it well since you don't want grit down there, and you will be able to get a better read of the level.


For cars / trucks, I check them about a minute after shutdown. Never had an issue. For interim checks, I try to do them cold. (Motorcycles seem to need some time on the side stand, 5min or more, before leveling to check the level. Kinda odd.)

Checking right after filling and not starting the engine is a waste of time other than judging whether you actually added 6qt instead of 5qt. Hahaha!

 

If you drain the oil until it's empty, replace the plug and then add 6.2 quarts - why would you think it's not full?

 

Pull the dipstick, wait a few minutes for any residual oil to drain down the tube, then re-check your level.

OM states check with engine at operating temp, shutdown, wait 5 minutes and check.

 

a leak

 

That sprung up sometime while doing the oil change? Wasn't there prior? You didn't notice oil on the ground? I find that unlikely.

 

Do the sandpaper thing.
Pull the dipstick out part-way and let it sit for a bit - give the residual oil a chance to drain down.
Push back down and withdraw - you should get a better indication.

 

Try using a brown napkin. Wipe it down before checking and lay it against the paper, then turn it over. You'll be able to see the level next to the dipstick.

 

Once the oil becomes a bit dirty its easier to read. I use to just add 6 and a 1/3 qts to my tundra when doing an oil change and forget about it as long as i saw no leaks.

 

And remember, a dip stick was never meant to be a precision measuring device. It let's you know that the engine has adequate amount of oil, not enough oil, or way too much oil! Pretty smart for a metal stick!

Scuff the tip up or use the paper towel trick.

 

Thanks for all of the tips, everyone; I'll try again later today and see if I can grab before/after photos.

 

just slide a paper towel down the dipstick until it starts absorbing oil if you can't read it.

 

I keep a Petzl headlamp and a Fenix flashlight in my everyday carry. If you don't want to go the scuff route you could shine a bright ass light at the dipstick as you rotate it at different angles. I've never had an issue seeing the almost-clear, freshly changed oil under bright light as long as I had the dipstick at the correct angle. Another option for you to consider... plus it is a good idea to always have a torch handy in case you need light.

 

Been two decades since I DIY. But..no need to pull the stick immediately after an oil change IF YOU KNOW YOUR ENGINE.

The reason quick lube places pull the stick is that they are working on multiple engines a day. It is also part shownanship.

My 5.0 Mustang took 5 quarts plus the filter. Once I overfilled it by a quart and I saw it immediately by counting 6 quart jugs in the trash (Castrol GTX Dino lol).

One time I double gasketed a filter on a 1973 Eldorado and it started spraying oil immediately at startup.

So...fresh oil change..known car (yours), known quantity (not your first time)..crank it up, check for leaks, and count your enpties.

If you 'need something to do' inspect your airbox . I was at my dads hiuse yesterday and notice clips missing on his E39 M5. Left alone too long and dirty air can get into the system. Also maybe wipe down your engine and keep it clean.

No joke when I first bought my first reliable new Japanese car (1997 Honda Accord SE) I took it home and pulled the stick. I ended up overfilling it. I tool it to the service department and they took a little out and said with this car I should just leave the hood closed.

I couldnt help myself so I iust kept the engine wiped down and spotless.

 

This. I use a napkin. Mark the tip of the stick on the napkin, lay the stick on the napkin, and pull it sideways across the napkin. It will leave some residual oil.

 

You check to make sure you didn't drain transmission oil and add it back into the radiator....
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/halp.33318/

 

That has to be a joke.

And people sanctimoniously post about how they do their own oil change because the dealer/lube place puts the most inexperienced guy on it. They want it "done right". lol.

 

I haven't done anything on my taco yet, but I scuffed the dipstick on my Xterra with high grit sandpaper. Just enough for the oil to stick.

 

OP, you're not alone. I'm always impressed at how easily some people seem to be able to read the oil level on the dipstick. I have a neighbor who is really skilled and experienced working on cars and he struggled to get a confident reading on my truck. He suggested, as you suggested above, to just drain well and dump 6 quarts in, making sure to empty each container thoroughly, and call it good. That's what I've been doing. I always check the dipstick, but I feel like you pretty well summed up my struggles getting a confident reading. Good luck.