Read high side or low side Dipstick?

[SumpChump]

So. Your chance to vote.... (If you vehicle's dipstick has different readings side to side)

Do YOU heed the high side or do you read it as the low side level?

I read it as the low side. On oil transmission fluid level, whatever. I subscribe to the lower of the two side being the one to heed. You?

 

[Pontual]

I'd say read the low side, since when you pull it off, it bounces or vibrates inside the oil and the oil goes "ridding" up the rule of the dipstick.

 

[Ded Mazai]

I have read it in a manual so it is not my idea: always look at the side of the dipstick where the reading is lower.

 

[Rand]

always the lowest side

 

[Stewie]

IMO it is best to try it multiple times and get an average.

However if the engine is not cold enough you will never get an accurate reading.

 

[toneydoc]

I just make sure it is in the safe zone on the dipstick. When I change oil it is at the full mark and only goes down from there. A few ounces of oil will likely make no difference at all as long as it is in the zone.

 

[Eddie]

If it is between 1/2 to Max, it is good to go.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Don't understand the question.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Don't understand the question.


No doubt some type BITOG thing...

Unless mine checks below add, I don't care...

 

[bullwinkle]

I think they mean read both sides of the dipstick-the marked side, & the unmarked side-and use the lowest reading? Maybe the oil climbs up the crosshatched area via capillary action? Never really thought about it before.

 

[Kestas]

Calibrate your dipstick by reading it after an oil change. Then you know how to read it between oil changes.

 

[asand1]

If your diptick is angled, one side will show lower than the other. Just split the difference, its not rocket surgery.