Evening all

I seem to recall this being called into question before, but can't find any tips on getting a 'clean' oil reading on the dipstick. Mine is a 105 1.2TSi, 5200 miles on her now and not put any oil in yet. I've kept a check on the oil level.

Shows as off the bottom of the dipstick when cold. When run to temperature and left for anything upto 4hours, its still showing at or above max, but more often than not the dipstick comes up with oil smeared up the first few inches! As mentioned in a previous post, mines taken on a slightly 'gruffer' engine tone of late, akin to when I've had cars run low on oil before. I'd like to try topping her up but wary of over filling, though not sure whether the dipstick readings are coming out accurate or not.

Can anyone advise a particular 'technique' to getting a clean reading? Is this something the dealers service centre would be happy to advise on (my next avenue if this post turns up no definitive answers)?

Matt

Hi Matt, just make sure the car has been standing for about 10 minutes (or whatever your manual says) after you stop driving, and make sure you are on level ground. I always park on the same level area in my drive when I check my oil. Simply wipe the dipstick clean after you first withdraw it, then re-insert to take the reading. The stick will come out nice and clean this time and you can see the level fairly easily. It takes practice at first to read the stick but you soon get the hang of it.

Check the manual as one of the 1.2 engines should be checked when cold, the others when warmed up (page 155 on mine). The level will vary depending on whether the engine is warm or cold hence only measuring at the correct temp.

Sounds like you are just pulling the dipstick out and reading it, you need to pull it out, wipe it clean, insert and remove it then read it.

The dealerships service department should be able to advise you if you are still struggling.

Actually quite glad you started this as I had assumed mine should be read cold, like all the other cars I have ever had :S .

Yeah, should have elaborated but didn't wanna waffle! I know how I should be checking the oil level, it just doesn't seem to be giving consistent results as I'm accustomed to from previous cars

Always checked on level ground, always wipe the stick clean and check at least twice to look for a consistent reading

Mine's supposed to be left for a few minutes to settle. I've checked it at everything from hot, 10mins, 15mins, 30 mins, upto 4hrs. I can get a 'good' reading, what I'd normally consider and accurate indication of oil level. However, due to the inconsistency of how obvious the reading appears, I'm lacking a bit of confidence that said reading is accurate, especially with the change in engine pitch. I can check it 6 times in one go and maybe get one decent, defined reading. It's as if the dipstick is rubbing up the side of the dipstick tube, or the tube is retaining oil at a level above that of the actual oil level in the engine

Cheers all

Matt

Sounds like you are doing it the correct way. I'd approach the dealership service desk and explain the situation and that you want to ensure it is maintained cOrrectly between services and ask for someone to show you and check it is okay, can't see there being a problem or for he, to have the gaul to charge time for this as it should just take a few minutes.

Don't feel that you are being stupid in asking for this, just think how stupid you would feel if the engine gets written off from doing it incorrectly.

Ah don't feel stupid at all. Same as the engine noise. Just eliminating any obvious 'issues' in order to put my mind at ease. Cars make all sorts of weird and wonderful noises, could just be something I never noticed before that now stands out to me. Just with it being my first brand new one I wanna make sure she's always peachy