How to Check the Oil Dipstick on a Passat?
2 Answers
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.
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.
