Dipstick Oil Level Reading

[Patrick0525]

This is my 14 Venza 2GR-FE. After returning home from work - 15hrs ago, I did a dipstick reading and the level is at top fill level mark. The oil level was clearly defined and it looked fine. But, when I tried to take the 2nd and 3rd reading, the oil level smeared above the top mark. No defined level like reading #1. I waited about 10 seconds before withdrawing the dipstick and the car is on a level surface(parked and tested it in neutral).

Is the 1st reading the most accurate reading? I would think so especially after an 15hr rest. Any plausible explanations?

 

[Escape08]

The most accurate reading is let the vehicle sit overnight and before you start the car going to work do a dip stick reading.

 

[joekingcorvette]

First reading would be the most accurate and the second reading is picking up residual oil from inserting the dipstick again.

 

[Ride_Red]

The oil on the dipstick is smearing inside the tube when you pull it out. This is why the reading is messed up.

My 4Runner was really bad at this smearing. To get a good reading (even on the first reading), I'd have to pull the dipstick, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain out of the tube before re-inserting the dipstick for a reading. I didn't have this problem on any of my other cars.

 

[MasterSolenoid]

If the dipstick is just a flat strip of metal (like they were years ago);
I will usually 'also' look on the other side of the dipstick.

 

[Patrick0525]

The oil on the dipstick is smearing inside the tube when you pull it out. This is why the reading is messed up.

My 4Runner was really bad at this smearing. To get a good reading (even on the first reading), I'd have to pull the dipstick, wait a few minutes for the oil to drain out of the tube before re-inserting the dipstick for a reading. I didn't have this problem on any of my other cars.

Gotcha, will give try.

 

[KrisZ]

I noticed my CH-R does the same thing. It's quite annoying.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Most of mine I check at the gas station when I fill up since my driveway and in front of house are not flat. Some on here said I shouldn't check as much, waste of time. I'm old and habits from cars that burn and needed frequent top offs are hard to change. I'll probably be like HAL 9000 when there is no dipstick.

Any way due to the residual oil in dipstick tube. I turn car off when I pull in. Pop hood, pull dipstick and wipe off. No sense looking at it yet. I leave it out while I fill up, normally 3-5 minutes. After fill up I put the dipstick back in and remove to check. I'll check both sides. The lower mark is where I am at. I top off if they get 1/2 way down the level marks. With only 4.25 qts in most of mine I don't want to be 25% down at the low mark.

My Accord I will check at work after sitting 10 hours as I know it was hot and all drained from tube and has been sitting in flat spot for that time.

Future DIL's Tucson will gain a bit on the level over the 3k / 6 month OCI. That was why I reduced the OCI from 6k / 12 months.

 

[THORROMIG]

Check it on level ground first thing in the morning while engine is stone cold.