Where should you read the engine oil level on the dipstick?

Where should you read the engine oil level on the dipstick?

• A. On the dipstick
• B. On the radiator
• C. On the oil filler cap
• D. On the engine block

Answer: (A)

The dipstick is the only place designed to show the current engine oil level. After the engine has been stopped and the oil has had a moment to settle, you pull the dipstick out and read the level on the marks printed on it. Reading oil level anywhere else isn’t reliable: the radiator is for coolant, the oil filler cap only indicates where to add oil, and the engine block isn’t a measurement point. If the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick, it’s fine; if it’s below minimum, add oil as needed.

The dipstick is the only place designed to show the current engine oil level. After the engine has been stopped and the oil has had a moment to settle, you pull the dipstick out and read the level on the marks printed on it. Reading oil level anywhere else isn’t reliable: the radiator is for coolant, the oil filler cap only indicates where to add oil, and the engine block isn’t a measurement point. If the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick, it’s fine; if it’s below minimum, add oil as needed.