Is it dangerous to twist the oil dipstick?
2 Answers
Twisting the oil dipstick slightly is not harmful. The oil dipstick is a tool used to check the oil level, with clear upper (H) and lower (L) limit marks. H indicates the maximum oil level (upper limit), while L indicates the minimum oil level (lower limit). When the oil level falls below the L mark, the oil warning light will illuminate, indicating insufficient oil and the need for immediate replenishment. More details about the oil dipstick are as follows: 1. Introduction: The engine oil dipstick does not need to be tightened. Typically, the plastic cap on the dipstick has a stopper; inserting it to the stopper position ensures it is securely fixed. 2. Usage Notes: Before checking the oil dipstick, ensure the car is in a cold state. Otherwise, the oil may not have fully returned to the oil pan, resulting in a lower measured oil level. Also, make sure all four wheels are on the same level surface, with no tilt in any direction. This is because any tilt can alter the oil level in the pan, leading to inaccurate measurements.
The other day I was checking my car in the garage and casually twisted the dipstick. My friend then asked if it was dangerous. The dipstick is mainly used to check the oil level, and under normal circumstances, you just need to pull it out and push it back in. If you twist it gently, it might be fine, but applying too much force could damage the sealing ring or cause the dipstick to get stuck, leading to oil leaks. Oil leakage is no small matter—if the oil level drops unnoticed, the engine could overheat due to insufficient lubrication, or even burn out parts, resulting in costly repairs. Remember to check the oil level regularly, observe the markings clearly when pulling it out, keep the stick clean, and ensure it's properly seated without wobbling when reinserting. Some car models have precisely designed dipsticks that can loosen easily when twisted, so it's advisable to reset it immediately after checking the oil level and avoid making a habit of twisting it. Prevention is always better than cure.
