I checked my oil level this morning for the first time, since I have put a lot of miles on recently and have a big trip this weekend. Good gracious, that dipstick sure slides into the tube like a pretzel! I was amazed at the twists and turns when pulling it out, and going back in took some acrobatics (the handle has an "up" mark that helps a little). I think the RDX wins the most contorted dipstick award among all the cars I have owned over the last 20 years. I actually stuck it back in twice just to make sure I wan't crazy.

 

Yes I have noticed this as well. It binds up if you dont put it in just right. By the time you pull it all the way out the oil has all dripped off it probably.

 

Hell yes! I noticed the same thing several months ago and decided I will no longer be checking my oil. There are so many twists that the oil gets all over the sides of the dipstick from sliding in and out and you can't even see the oil line. VERY bad idea in my mind...

Mike

 

hmmmm.... y would u need to check it if theres a life indicator... yes that just the life, but if ur running low on oil, it will indicate that too... just always bring it to the dealer to get oil change

 

I dont trust the dealer enough because we are all human and make mistakes. They could put the wrong amount in or whatnot. Also how do you know that they even put synthetic everytime when there oil comes in barels. I think I will start doing my own changes.

 

The oil life indicator is merely an algorithm based on vehicle use -- it doesn't detect the oil level (ie; it's possible to display 100% oil life with all oil drained out of the engine, or 0% oil life with a full amount of oil). I am sure the RDX has an idiot light for low oil, but you don't want that to be the first indication that you have to add oil under routine conditions. Generally when that light comes on you need to pull over and add oil ASAP! I know someone who had the light come on in an older Accord, and it basically came on as the engine started making bearing rap noise. In that case, the light gave no advance warning at all.

 

My passat was only two years old when I took it to a local chain for an oil change. 10 sec down the road..heard the same clanging noise. Pulled over and shut off the engine. Restarted (clanging) never should have... and drove it 10 sec back. They never put oil BACK IN! Well, I had a bird right there...went crazy on them! Phone in hand, screach'in up a storm about how I want them to ay for a new engine. Asked for the filter to check for shavings (yea, like they gave me mine back) Anyway, nothing came of it, and got lucky. The car is turning ten years now. I had other "issues" though with the car's brakes mostly, but the engine is kicking, and starts on a dime still. sorry we slid so far from the post...

 

pretzel oil stick? Hahaha! You never seen an Infiniti G35 have you. That thing had one heck of an oil stick to put in / out! Pretzel extrodinare!