This is going to sound dumb, but how do you read the engine oil dipstick? Perhaps my car is too new (1300 miles), but with the winding steel dipstick, I really can't see where the oil level is.

I've tried several times, used brighter lights, but honestly can't tell if it's high or low... I know there's oil on it, because it shows up when I wipe it - I just can't see the level.

 

It is near impossible!

Someone suggested wiping it clean with a white paper towel, reinserting, removing and then using the white paper towel use that as a back drop so you can see the indicators.

 

It also helps to wipe clean, reinsert, and then lay the dipstick ON the paper towel, to see where the oil is absorbed.

 

Some one else has also mentioned looking down at the dipstick with it still vertical.

I agree, it's hard to read. According to the owners manual, the space between the two metal marks is 1 quart, and the oil light in the dash will alert you if it is 1 quart low. So wouldn't that mean it will tell you if it hits the lower mark on the dipstick? Seems like you might not even need to read the dip stick if that is the case.

 

Not to hijack, but the new BMW X3 (their SUV) doesn't even HAVE a dipstick! Everything is monitored on the dash. Sure hate to see that come to MINI, but I suppose it will...

 

Just changed my oil today at 1200 miles. Alittle hard to see the level but I was in my garage and i wiped clean the stick then dipped it again with a clean rag. No problems.

 

WOW! To think, there are some complaining about not having more warning gauges!

 

It is tough to read and some of us purchased aftermarket sticks from Cravenspeed. You can scroll through this thread and find some useful photos:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=dip+stick

P.S. thread is specifically about pre-56

 

+1 Thats how I demonstrate checking the oil to clients.

 

My baby has just over 700 miles on her. Tried to read the dipstick. Oil is so clean that I cannot see it on the stick. When I lay it on a towel, I can see where it stops absorbing. So that is the way I will recommend until something comes out better.

 

Just wait another 2-3K miles. The oil is very easy to see. BTW, mines not quite a 1/2 quart low and been that way for around 1,500 miles but should I add to it or wait and let the system work like it's suppose to? I will keep checking though just in case.

 

Ditto.

 

If it is that hard to read due to the dipstick design perhaps buying one of those leak detection kits and adding a UV dye to the oil would help. The lamp these kits come with could easily fit in the secret compartment for easy access at fill ups.

 

put down the dipstick. and the UV dye. and the UV light. now back slowly away ....

 

It was way hard to read when it was new. After a few thousand miles the oil gets darker and much easier now.

 

Changed the oil today and noticed the new clean oil was clearly visible when looking down at the vertical dipstick. Verified with a clean paper towel as well.

 

What the heck?

Is there some competition on dipstick designers as to who can make the most absurd dipstick? Feels and looks like a drain cleaning snake that's hard to read. Unbelievable. Greg

 

Your description of the stick is very appropiate and correct . the whole problem is that the tube has a bend in the end of it and all three of the Beads drag up oil with it, making it hard to see the true level.

 

After a few thousand miles it won't be hard anymore. It's only like that while new.

 

I'm glad to hear this. We just passed 1000 miles yesterday and I'm planning an oil change at about 1200 miles. I've changed oil many times in other vehicles, but I'm a little nervous still.

 

i need to get myself that cravenspeed dipstick...

 

My Mazda 3 is like that.

 

I suggested this and find it works even with brand new oil. After removing the stick and wiping it, reinsert it, then just pull it up to the point where the tip just rests on the end of the tube. Looking down the stick, you can see clearly where the oil is.

 

Exactly. Works every time, clean or dirty oil.

 

I just take out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert, pull it out again, then run my finger against the area between the high and low marks. Easy to tell where the oil level is, and it's a great hand softener, too!