How to Check the Oil Dipstick on a Passat?

[DallasMarie]

The method to check the oil dipstick on a Passat is: 1. Park the car on a level surface; 2. Turn off the engine and open the hood; 3. Pull out the oil dipstick. Taking the 2020 Passat as an example, it is a mid-size sedan with body dimensions of: length 4933mm, width 1836mm, height 1469mm, wheelbase 2871mm, fuel tank capacity 68.5l, trunk capacity 521l, and curb weight 1470kg. The 2020 Passat is equipped with a 1.4t turbocharged engine, with a maximum horsepower of 150ps, maximum power of 110kw, maximum torque of 250nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

[SanFaith]

Checking the dipstick is second nature to me after driving my Passat for so many years. First, park on level ground and turn off the engine, but don't check immediately—wait 5 to 10 minutes to let the oil drain back into the oil pan for an accurate reading. Then pop the hood—the yellow-ringed handle is the dipstick. Pull it out and wipe the tip clean with a lint-free cloth, making sure no oil residue remains. Reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the oil film level. See? There are two notches or a crosshatch pattern on the dipstick—if the oil level sits between the lower and upper marks, it's perfect. Above the upper mark means overfilled, while below the lower mark calls for a top-up. Stick to this routine every time—cold engine checks are more accurate. Don't slack—inspect monthly to prevent oil burning issues.

[MacCourtney]

When I first got my hands on the Passat, I was a complete newbie. My friend taught me how to check the dipstick, saying it was super simple. After parking and turning off the engine, wait a few minutes to ensure the ground is level. Under the hood, locate the metal rod with a ring and pull it out. Don’t panic if your hand gets covered in oil—just wipe the dipstick head clean with a tissue, reinsert it, and press it firmly. The second time you pull it out, squint to see where the oil mark is. The lowest line indicates the minimum level, and the top line is the maximum. Ideally, the oil mark should be in the middle or slightly above. Once, I ignored the oil level when it was below the minimum line, and the engine warning light came on while I was driving on the highway. Thankfully, I managed to fix it at a service area. Personal tip: Always keep a small bottle of oil in the car for emergencies—don’t wait until the dashboard light comes on to panic.

[SanEliza]

Checking the Passat's oil dipstick is quite straightforward. After parking and turning off the engine, wait a few minutes, find a level surface, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the oil level line. Pay attention to the marked positions—just ensure it's between the MIN and MAX lines. I usually check it when parked in the garage, and it takes just a minute. If the oil level is below the minimum mark, add oil—don't push it. If the oil turns black or has impurities, it's time to prepare for an oil change. Regular checks help prevent major issues.