Where is the dipstick on my car?
Is your car’s dipstick missing? Or are you simply struggling to locate it?
You might be unaware, but some vehicles arrive with no dipstick below the bonnet. Several major manufacturers are instead now moving away from the traditional oil dipstick in favour of in-engine sensors that monitor fluid levels.
In this article, we’ll explore how to tell whether your car has one or not, along with some key players who are going without dipsticks.
Which car manufacturers no longer use a dipstick?
Many modern vehicles now use sophisticated sensors within the engine itself to check oil levels, acting as an ‘electronic dipstick’, if you will. Some cars may even have both a physical one and a sensor.
This move away from manual dipsticks is part of the auto industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation and incorporation of technology to make everything easier for the end user. The information will then be displayed on your car’s dashboard.
Car companies that have moved away from the dipstick in many of their models include Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Mazda and many others. As modern cars increasingly improve their technology, it’s likely that many more manufacturers will eliminate the traditional dipstick in their newer models.
How to check if you have a dipstick
The easiest way to check if you have a dipstick is to open up the bonnet and look out for a coloured handle near the front of the engine. If you’re struggling to see it, take a look through your vehicle handbook for further clues. And if you’re still not sure, then check directly with the manufacturer.
How to check engine oil levels without a dipstick
If your car comes without a dipstick, you will need to check the sensor reading on the car dashboard. Some systems require the engine to be either cold or turned off to get the most accurate figure, while others work best with the engine up and running. These readings will keep you up to date with oil levels, alerting you when the oil needs changing.
Depending on how your vehicle’s computer works, it may only warn you when oil levels are exceptionally low. As such, you might need to make it a regular routine to go into the computer system yourself and check the oil levels.
Perhaps you’re unsure of how to use your onboard computer to check the oil levels? Consult your vehicle user manual for specific instructions.
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