i'm not sure whether my oil level is fluctuating or not, but the oil does tend to ride a bit high on my dipstick. the portion that's beyond the recommended level doesn't seem too dark ***. i check the oil almost every day, and sometimes it returns to normal level. anyone else have the same experience? my dipstick has a slightly bent tip - dunno if that contributes to it. anyways, any help would be appreciated. thanks in advance!

Are you waiting to check the oil after the engine's been turned off for awhile? The oil will drain back down into the pan. So if you're checking the oil right after you've had the engine on, and then check the oil 10 minutes after the engine is off... it'll be higher on the stick.

hmm...so which is the proper level? with the engine running or after the car has been turned off for a while? on the other cars i've driven, it didn't really make a difference when you checked it. thanks for your help!

Turned off for a while, on a level surface.

well if your checking on consistant surfaces, and at similar times after running it you should consider swithching to an oil filter with and anti drainback... maybe your filter is allowing oil to flow out of it. thats my best guess

Originally posted by Probedude
Turned off for a while, on a level surface.


Exactly. You want to make sure the engine has been off for a while so that the oil has the time it needs to drain down into the pan.


Where does the oil need to be on the stick? Near the max level line. Don't fret if you're a little over or under. This isn't rocket science. =) Trust me on this, when you take your car in to get it's oil changed (dealership or quicklube) they don't wait until every last drop of oil is drained from your car... where as you might if you're changing it yourself (one of the many benifits). Then more than likely they will overfill your max line on the stick by putting back in the specified amount. This doesn't hurt your car and the designers took this into account when they designed it. Now, if you put 7qts into one of our cars then sure... that's not good for it, but a half a quart here or there is nothing.


Unless you're an obessive compulsive, or have a serious oil leak/burn problem, there's no need to check your oil daily. You would be far better off to check your tire pressure or brake lights daily (As these items are far more likely to develop problems with daily driving).

If you want to be a real neat freak (yeah, I'm one too)... check your oil level every week or 2 and with a flashlight... look for any signs of leaks that you can see from above.

Hope this helps.