Which side should I trust?

[xreyuk]

Guys,

Reading the oil on my car, the dipstick shows different levels depending on which side you're looking at. I assumed this was because of residue in the tube and that the bottom side was dragging on the tube, but, I want to make sure

This is the oil reading on the side that comes out as the 'top' side when you pull the dipstick out.



This is the oil reading on the side that is on the 'bottom' side of the dipstick as you pull it out.



As you can see there is a bit of residue above the max line on the 'bottom' side photograph.

Which side am I supposed to trust?

Please excuse the feet.

[Twincharged]

Did you just remove the dipstick then check it, or did you remove it, wipe it, put it back in, then remove it to check it?

If you did the former, I'd recommend doing the latter.

[xreyuk]

Twincharged said:

Did you just remove the dipstick then check it, or did you remove it, wipe it, put it back in, then remove it to check it?

If you did the former, I'd recommend doing the latter.

Removed, wiped, checked. Removed wiped, checked.

Reading was the same both times. It was also the same both times when I checked it earlier. I decided to check again now in case I hadn't left the car long enough to allow the oil to settle before, but it's been stationary for hours now (and yes, on a level surface)

[Blue Oval84]

Both readings are fine, just start to worry when one gets closer to the minimum

[Cemesis]

1. The lowest reading is the true reading (for obvious reasons)
2. You need to hold the dipstick further away from the camera when taking the shot as its focused on the floor.

[Nigel Worc's]

I wouldn't worry about it, as long as you're between min and max, all will be well.

It looks a bit dirty though !

[xreyuk]

Cheers it just looked like it was too high on the 'bottom' side as you can see oil above the line.

With regards to it looking dirty, it's only 3,000 miles old! It is a diesel though.

[Jimmy No Hands]

I'd be more concerned about those horrible trainers.

[Nigel Worc's]

xreyuk said:

Cheers it just looked like it was too high on the 'bottom' side as you can see oil above the line.

With regards to it looking dirty, it's only 3,000 miles old! It is a diesel though.

Well who cares about the level then ? lol

[tyranical]

Jimmy No Hands said:

I'd be more concerned about those horrible trainers.

See I thought this but didn't post it.

Now you've posted i'll just agree!

[xreyuk]

Leave my trainers alone :P

I just went and inserted the dipstick halfway down and then pulled it back out and the bottom side some oil on it so I think it's just residue in the tube.

Why I didn't do that before I posted a thread on a public forum I don't know.

[Nigel Worc's]

xreyuk said:

Leave my trainers alone :P

I just went and inserted the dipstick halfway down and then pulled it back out and the bottom side some oil on it so I think it's just residue in the tube.

Why I didn't do that before I posted a thread on a public forum I don't know.

Diesel driver ? lol

[ambuletz]

That's a really bad pair of photos, the camera is focusing on your floor rather then the dipstick.

[Nigel Worc's]

I don't think he was intending to enter a photography competition !

Can you see what he is intending to show you ?

Yes ?

Job jobbed