how accurate is oil level reading on car apps?

[Joe1]

I have a new Toyota hybrid with 2k miles. The cell phone app has an oil level status with a green mark saying "quantity of engine oil is at the required level".
Are these computerized readings accurate? How do they work? Is it okay to not check the dipstick as often if the app says oil level is okay?

 

[JoelB]

Checking oil level takes minutes. I wouldn't trust an app to tell me something I can be sure of with so little extra effort.

 

[PimTac]

If you have a dipstick then compare the two regularly. A lot of cars don’t have a dipstick anymore so there is not much you can do.

 

[atikovi]

Checking oil level takes minutes. I wouldn't trust an app to tell me something I can be sure of with so little extra effort.

Except some cars don't have dipsticks.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

There is an oil level sensor in the car, that information is relayed to the app.

 

[Leo99]

If you have a dipstick then compare the two regularly. A lot of cars don’t have a dipstick anymore so there is not much you can do.

If doing your own oil change, add a quart less than needed and see what the app tells you. Then add a half quart and see what the app's precision is. Will it tell you a half qt. low or just green/red or green/yellow/red. I'm sure it's accurate as it's engineered to be as long as the sensor is working properly.

 

[Krieg]

Technology is great when it works as designed! Keep us posted....

 

[JoelB]

Except some cars don't have dipsticks.

I don't believe that's true for a Toyota hybrid. So that comment isn't really relevant in this case.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

There is an oil level sensor in the car, that information is relayed to the app.

This. The app is as accurate (or inaccurate) as the car's computer that it pull the information from

 

[Joe1]

Thanks for the replies. I did a bit of research and see that most new Toyotas have oil level sensors nowadays. There's also a dipstick. I will utilize both, but will not replace sensor if it fails outside of warranty.
I think the Toyota app is free for a while, but might require a subscription down the road, so l will probably be relying on the dipstick anyways.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Haven't seen 'oil level sensors' on my new Toyotas or any that I've test driven. So, maybe its a hybrid thing since I avoid those.

If you have a list of models and/or engines with an oil level sensor, please post it.

I miss having the oil level sensor on the dash that was used by some European makes years ago... worked great prior to started and never doubted them.

 

[Joe1]

Haven't seen 'oil level sensors' on my new Toyotas or any that I've test driven. So, maybe its a hybrid thing since I avoid those.

If you have a list of models and/or engines with an oil level sensor, please post it.

I miss having the oil level sensor on the dash that was used by some European makes years ago... worked great prior to started and never doubted them.

Fits Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2021_Venza/Engine-Oil-Level-Sensor/73183912/8949133051.html

 

[PimTac]

Fits Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, RAV4, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Toyota_2021_Venza/Engine-Oil-Level-Sensor/73183912/8949133051.html

Which model do you own?

 

[edyvw]

I see Toyota did not only ask BMW for engines, but they subscribed to dumb stuff too!

 

[Greasymechtech]

So, a variable oil level sensor? or simply a 'low oil level' add a quart or gallon system?

I guess its needed for the crowd that doesn't use a dipstick. I miss the dash level gauges that were pretty much accurate enough for 'ounces', once you learned how to read them comparatively to the dipstick.

Look out for the non green checkmark. I guess when multiple engines have oil consumption issues, and owners not capable of using the dipstick, they have an app to the rescue.

 

[Joe1]

Which model do you own?

Venza

 

[Joe1]

Here's a screenshot of the vehicle health report that is accessable from the Toyota app on my phone. It shows oil level.

 

[Leo99]

I see Toyota did not only ask BMW for engines, but they subscribed to dumb stuff too!

I think the sensor will notify the dealership if the low oil light goes on and they could call you to let you know.

 

[edyvw]

I think the sensor will notify the dealership if the low oil light goes on and they could call you to let you know.

OK, I take my statement back. They went further than BMW.

 

[haggler]

The cell phone app has an oil level status with a green mark saying "quantity of engine oil is at the required level".

to me this is a binary statement, which basically means its somewhere between F and L. If they're adding this as a backup sensor for the app not bad. But if theyre doing what BMW is doing with no dipstick, shame on them.