Hello!
Im trying to get an accurate reading from my dipstick but seem to get different readings depending on how long the engine is switched off for! When is the best time to check it after i’ve switched the engine off?
Its a 98 mark 2 if that makes a difference!
Many Thanks
In my opinion, in the morning before you start.
Thanks for your reply.
In the mornings its just over the low mark but just worried as after 10/15 mins it shows full and dont want to put too much in!!
It would be interesting to know how much it would take to get it from “Low” mark to “Full”… anyone???
That’s because the oil settles overnight, once you start the engine the oil starts sloshing around.
If it’s on the low end of the dipstick, add 1/2 litre and wait 10 minutes to see how far the level rises
I think its 1 US Quart (0.8l) but dont quote me on that!
Cheers, will get a litre of the same oil (Mobile 1 OW40) and top it up a bit!
Many Thanks!
Yep, 0.8L from low to full (says it on the dip stick between the marks). With the engine up at operating temperature, check the oil level with the car on level ground 5 mins after turning it off.
Cheer Robbie!
Was hoping I was supposed to check it 5 mins after I turn the engine off!! If I do that (after 30m journey) if shows loads but in the cold frosty morning it doesnt seem to show any!!! Is that normal?
Thank you!
No, that’s not normal. Waiting 5 minutes to take a reading is just so the oil has time to drain back to the sump. So the oil level is expected to rise when the car’s stopped. It shouldn’t fall.When you take a reading, do you wipe the dipstic clean and try again? Trying 3 or 4 times over is the only way I find I get a consistent, dependable reading.
Thanks Martin
If I wait 5 minutes and then check the the oil level, its at 3/4 full or very nearly full but checking it this morning (after only moving it out of garage) it didnt seem to show any. I did wipe it clean and try again but only tried once, will try it again a few times next time!
It defo seems to get lower on the dipstick the longer I leave the car without using it. Does that mean its just low on oil or some other problem? It was serviced about 7k ago and will have another one in 2k.
Thanks!
You have to wait 5 minutes after stopping the engine. Driving the car out of the garage will spread the oil all around inside the engine, and you have to wait for it to run back to the sump.
Thanks for that Martin!
Will check it again before moving it out of garage tomorrow!!! I checked it before at work (engine has been off for 3 hours) and it was just over the Low mark. As it should be read higher when left, I assume thats very low and needs topping up?
Sorry for all the questions!!
Basically just to re affirm what has been said before
1 Take the car for a run, wait 'til the temp is reading normal and then do another 5 minutes.
2 Return to base and let the car stand for 5 minutes on flat ground.
3 Check oil level [ I find it helps to twist the dipstick round before pulling it out].
4 The difference between high and low is 0.8 Litres, top up accordingley
Thanks Geoff,
Will try that later and top up if required as just bought a litre bottle!
Many Thanks