Easy! - How to read your dipstick when it's hard to see!. #13

(HD) (CC) Hard to read oil level? Here's a "simple" method used to read engine oil dipsticks that are HARD TO SEE with "clean/new oil" on them! New cars, trucks, and many other machines that run on gasoline, propane, natural gas, and even hydrogen for that matter run very clean, and so the oils used in them stay quite clear and translucent. This can make it very difficult for people to get an accurate reading on these dipsticks. The life of an engine engine could be jeopardized if a mistake is made with regards to the proper oil level within the engine.

This works for transmission dipsticks too!

0:00 Intro
0:30 The tip.
0:51 True oil level revealed.

Check out my channel "Mysimplefix"!
@mysimplefix

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[jmrubique]

seriously I have respect for people who bother to make videos like this, without any potential reward :)

[armandoc]

From personal experience this works great the first time you take out the dipstick. Once you try to re-check the level, oil gets coated in the dipstick tube when dipstick was initially pulled out and when you reinsert/recheck the dipstick again you get oil marks above the full line on the paper towel even though its spotted oil marks on the dipstick itself. Checking which way the dipstick tube curves helps to determine which side to look at as mentioned on other comments. The struggles of thin oils. Once you put in a couple of miles on the engine oil it will get a shade darker and easier to read.

[bentong]

Our '22 RAV4 uses 0W-16 and it's so hard to read the dipstick. Even the dealership had a hard time when I told them they overfilled the oil, which is why I didn't complete their complimentary 2yr/25k ToyotaCare. With this tip, I check the stick multiple times and look for the area with the heaviest smear consistently.

I also make sure not to put in the whole oil capacity of the engine. Example, 4.8qts with the filter, 4.4 without as per our manual, I only put in about 4.2qts and check from there, add as needed. So far I didn't need to add any more than that.

[robertharris]

Was having this dipstick trouble just now. I thought, somebody out there must have thought of an idea for this. Came inside and a quick search brought me to this. It worked like a charm! Many thanks.

[mydogboofer]

Thank you! Just had my oil changed...always check it when I leave the dealership....this time was puzzling...Seemed like I couldn’t get an accurate reading...never had a problem before. 2006 Tacoma 170, 000 miles Will try this tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.👍

[steviesmiler]

Genius! Saves me checking it half a dozen times (and still not being sure). Thank you 😊

[MartyNemko]

What a generous act to be offering such tips, no doubt primarily or exclusively as a public service. Thank you! Oh, and this is a great tip!

[dgonzala]

But how to read a dipstick with oil streaks all over it

[bobvid]

I USE 5W-20W OIL, VERY HARD TO SEE--THANK YOU A MILLION FOR A EASY SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM

[wackieworld]

Excellent trick. So simple. I've been checking oil for the better part of 50 years and this was an awesome revelation. I bet my antique eyesight didn't help. This will make life easier. Thank you for sharing.

[andycraig]

I like that idea. Also, here's something to try. I have to do this with automatic transmission fluid...
Pull out the dipstick at moderate to slow speed & then hold it level. Slowly rotate the dipstick about 45 degrees and let gravity pull that thin ATF downward to the edge. The fluid is much more obvious and thicker when it is pooling at the edge instead of laying flat, which spreads it out.

Also, with automatic transmissions, remove the dipstick before doing the reverse/drive cycle on flat ground and then leave it in park for 3+ minutes idling before inserting the dipstick, wait 3 seconds, then pull it out and eyeball it.

[Spanky]

thank you so much. I was having a hard time reading my aunts dip stick today and so I looked this subject up. I am so shocked how easy this is and greatfull you shared this.

[jonnygti]

I was actually laughing at how easy this was, and why I didn’t think of it 😂😂😂

Don’t ever remember having this issue before, but today I had my car serviced, which funnily enough is a Toyota like the car in the video! But the oil was so clean, it’s like putting water on a clean piece of metal, can’t see anything! I was holding it up in the air, pointing it towards the sun to try and catch some glare off the oil, looking under my glasses! I put a piece of paper towel on the upper part of the dipstick to try to see how far up the oil goes, I could just about see a clean line where I put the paper at the top, so I was happy with my reading in the end, but this method is so much easier and more accurate 👍🏻

[KianaShalix]

Thank you for posting this as it may seem like common sense but when you have been able to see the oil when I was younger you never thought of when you can't see it when your older lol!

[byronc]

I have the hardest time reading the dipstick on my Tacoma. All the oil smears all over the dipstick and it reads different every time I check. I check about 5 times, wiping dry in between dips.

[jimdut]

Great idea I’ve been doing the paper towel trick, but never thought to drag it down to get a better reading👍

[SeanPopify]

Without the crosshatch on Toyota's dipsticks, it's not only hard to see it doesn't cling to the stick either.

This method, along with a darker paper towel, is perfect!

[userminus]

Almost ready to add dye to my oil but now no need! Great advice Mr. FIx! Also see Andy Craig's advice below.

[lindacassetta]

Thanks, I thought I was losing my mind. I put 4.7 qts. of Mobile 1 in my Prius 3 and could not see any oil on my dipstick.They really need to fix this problem. The paper towel trick worked.

[wolfieziggy]

My 1998 c280 mercedes has a cable dipstick with a red plastic tip that's almost impossible to read accurately. I have owned everything from muscle cars to MG's, Triumphs, Lexus, and Infinity's and have never had problems getting an accurate reading. I will try your "method" and hopefully I'll FINALLY be able to determine what my true oil level is. Thanks for the info!