Where to read oil on dipstick

BANANA4LIFE

MEMBER
2006 FORD FOCUS
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
50,000 MILES

Hi,

When reading my dipstick there is oil that goes past the max mark although it's a bit faint. There is a dark patch that goes just above the minimum. From what line should I read? The line that goes above the max is usually a bit darker than the picture shows. I am complete novice, any help appreciated. Thanks! I don't want to add oil if already over max.

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2 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,476 POSTS

For that dipstick you have three levels as I shown in the picture. The thing is that you really want the oil to be clean and at the top of the safe area all the time. In a vehicle that doesn't burn oil that can be easy, however as they age and use some oil you want to check it more often.

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Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 AT 8:42 AM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Looks like the oil is a bit low. The way you read the dipstick is look for the solid oil line from the bottom of the stick to where it stops. This is the level of the oil. You will normally get some drips or other oil on the stick but that is not the level. The best thing to do is pull the stick out, wipe it clean and then put it completely back in and pull it back out. This should limit those other oil spots on the stick and you will see the clear line.

Here is a guide that talks a little about this at the end. Also pictures of your stick and an example of this "solid oil line" that I am talking about. You will see how the oil is consistent all the way up the stick past the first hole and then it stops. This is the oil level:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks

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