08-07-2025
Learn How to Check Your Oil Dipstick Properly and Protect Your Car
At first glance, using your oil dipstick might seem like a basic part of car maintenance—but it's often misunderstood and easy to get wrong. Many drivers simply pull out the oil dipstick, glance at the level, and decide whether to add more oil or leave it alone. But those tiny marks on the end of the stick aren't random—they are carefully engineered to help you avoid two of the most common engine-damaging mistakes: driving with too little oil or accidentally overfilling.
The oil dipstick is more than a simple measuring tool. Misreading it, checking it at the wrong time, or ignoring best practices can all lead to serious mechanical issues over time.
What the Oil Dipstick Is Really Telling You
Every oil dipstick is marked to show two critical points: a top line indicating the 'full' level and a bottom line showing the 'low' level. These markings might appear as lines, dots, holes, or a crosshatched zone. The space between these two points generally represents about one quart of engine oil.
If the oil level is closer to the bottom, you're about a quart low.
If it's above the top mark, you may have added too much—which can be just as risky as being low.
Getting an accurate reading from your oil dipstick requires a proper method, not just a quick glance.
How to Check Your Oil Dipstick the Right Way
To get a reliable reading:
Park on flat ground. Any slope can distort the reading. Let the engine rest. Wait at least 5 to 15 minutes after turning it off so the oil can settle into the pan. Clean and recheck. Pull the oil dipstick, wipe it with a clean cloth or paper towel, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again for the real reading.
That first check may show splashes or leftover oil and can easily mislead you.
If the oil film sits between the two marks, your oil level is safe. If it's below the low mark, top up. If it's above full, you'll need to remove the excess to prevent potential damage.
Why Proper Oil Dipstick Use Matters
Oil levels directly affect engine health. Running too low means inadequate lubrication, which increases friction and internal heat. That can wear down vital parts like camshafts, bearings, and cylinder walls. If your oil warning light flickers when you brake or turn, it might mean the oil is so low it's sloshing away from the pickup point.
Too much oil is no better. Overfilling causes aeration—air bubbles mixing into the oil—which breaks down its ability to lubricate and cool. This foamy oil increases internal pressure and puts stress on seals and gaskets, accelerating wear and inviting leaks.
What If Your Car Doesn't Have an Oil Dipstick?
Some newer vehicles no longer use a traditional oil dipstick, replacing it with electronic sensors and digital displays. While that technology offers convenience, it's still essential to monitor oil health and respond quickly if your system warns of low or high levels.
Your oil dipstick is more than a relic of old-school maintenance—it's a frontline tool in keeping your engine healthy. Read it the right way, trust what it tells you, and never underestimate how a simple stick can prevent major repairs. Done correctly, checking your oil dipstick takes just minutes—and could save you thousands.
