Why the dipstick will become extinct
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
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From: SoCal
Why the dipstick will become extinct
Pretty interesting as to why some automakers are getting rid of the dipstick, mainly because they think people today are lazy asses and they rarely check there oil and tire pressures, so they would rather trust the car's computer.
How often do you guys check your oil??
I'll admit, I have gotten a little lazy and check every 3 weeks or so. Usually I'll check a little more often when I've had quite a few miles from my previous oil change.
The practice of opening the hood at every fuel stop used to be routine. With an oil-soaked rag in hand, the worker reached over and pulled out the hot metal dipstick, and after a quick cleaning swipe, the dipstick was plunged back into its tube and pushed down into the sump of scalding oil. Withdrawn again, a tell-tale black film in the middle of the scored lines marked the oil level very accurately.
Today, many late model vehicles are running sans oil dipstick. Electronic oil level senders have replaced the metal rod – to the bafflement and frustration of the few remaining hands-on enthusiasts everywhere.
In an effort to find out who exactly is responsible for the dipstick-abolishing movement, Autoblog contacted Audi, BMW and Porsche – three respected German automakers who have embraced the technology for several years. All three gave us the same answer. Contrary to Internet rumors, the elimination of an inexpensive metal rod is not a cost-cutting measure, nor is it an environmental issue (word on the web said each check of a dipstick introduced ounces of polluting dirty oil into the ecosystem).
Quite frankly, the automakers point out that we simply don't need dipsticks anymore. Why. Because owners don't use them. While they don't specifically say it, those who engineer and assemble our new cars (and guarantee new vehicle warranties) are much more comfortable knowing that a silicon chip is monitoring the oil level – not a consumer who hasn't checked tire pressures (or even opened the hood) since the last time the Vikings won the Super Bowl.
Today's comatose driver expects everything to be automated – and it is. Look no further than the myriad of digitized warning lights on the dashboard when the key is turned (um... make that the start button). Don't blame the automakers for the disappearance of the dipstick – blame the public at large.
Today, many late model vehicles are running sans oil dipstick. Electronic oil level senders have replaced the metal rod – to the bafflement and frustration of the few remaining hands-on enthusiasts everywhere.
In an effort to find out who exactly is responsible for the dipstick-abolishing movement, Autoblog contacted Audi, BMW and Porsche – three respected German automakers who have embraced the technology for several years. All three gave us the same answer. Contrary to Internet rumors, the elimination of an inexpensive metal rod is not a cost-cutting measure, nor is it an environmental issue (word on the web said each check of a dipstick introduced ounces of polluting dirty oil into the ecosystem).
Quite frankly, the automakers point out that we simply don't need dipsticks anymore. Why. Because owners don't use them. While they don't specifically say it, those who engineer and assemble our new cars (and guarantee new vehicle warranties) are much more comfortable knowing that a silicon chip is monitoring the oil level – not a consumer who hasn't checked tire pressures (or even opened the hood) since the last time the Vikings won the Super Bowl.
Today's comatose driver expects everything to be automated – and it is. Look no further than the myriad of digitized warning lights on the dashboard when the key is turned (um... make that the start button). Don't blame the automakers for the disappearance of the dipstick – blame the public at large.
I'll admit, I have gotten a little lazy and check every 3 weeks or so. Usually I'll check a little more often when I've had quite a few miles from my previous oil change.
This brings up an interesting realization on my part. I check my coolant level in the overflow tank, and that's it. I haven't checked my oil level since I changed my oil. As a matter of fact, that's the way it's been since I first purchased my car. 
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,340
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From: Tucson Az
I honestly think it's more about the luxury brands trying to make the engine look like a clean unit with plastic covers that the consumer doesn't have to worry about.
Though I know the plastic lets them control the engine noise. I think it's also meant to tell the odd luxury car owner that looks under the hood, "yes we are in the future". Despite it still being a (very advanced) internal combustion engine.
Though I know the plastic lets them control the engine noise. I think it's also meant to tell the odd luxury car owner that looks under the hood, "yes we are in the future". Despite it still being a (very advanced) internal combustion engine.
CL in lawnmower status
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 5
From: Canada
It makes sense i guess, aslong as they are still making a way for you to check it yourself, then i'd be fine with it.
but like some automakers have done, not provide transmission dipstick for automatic transmissions is kinda dumb, in the manual it basically says to make sure there isn't a puddle under your car, other than that, your transmission fluid should be fine.
but like some automakers have done, not provide transmission dipstick for automatic transmissions is kinda dumb, in the manual it basically says to make sure there isn't a puddle under your car, other than that, your transmission fluid should be fine.
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Suzuka Master
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Charlotte
Most owners of luxury vehicles probably couldn't tell you where the hood release is, let alone where the dipstick is. Unfortunately for the 0.1% of us that still check our own oil, we get shafted. That said, a lot of cars already have the electronic sensors that monitor the oil level as well as having dipsticks. I have a feeling you will see more manufacturers start to remove them from their vehicles.
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
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From: SoCal
Most owners of luxury vehicles probably couldn't tell you where the hood release is, let alone where the dipstick is. Unfortunately for the 0.1% of us that still check our own oil, we get shafted. That said, a lot of cars already have the electronic sensors that monitor the oil level as well as having dipsticks. I have a feeling you will see more manufacturers start to remove them from their vehicles.
Ohh and btw mclaren like your sig haha, just saw that episode again, today
That was uncalled for...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,288
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From: Toronto, Ontario
Both cars once a week; It's habit now... Both cars have a "Low Oil" light but I'll never let the level get anywhere close to that.
I wouldn't mind being able to check the oil level from inside the car, just as long as those sensors are accurate and reliable.
I wouldn't mind being able to check the oil level from inside the car, just as long as those sensors are accurate and reliable.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Greater Toronto Area
Come to think of it, unless I have a long trip ahead - which is rare these days, I never check the oil of the minivan. On my previous 2007 TLS, with the oil indicator, never once look for the dip stick.
Thread Starter
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: SoCal
I have a feeling your oil indicator on your 07 tl and my moms 08 accord may be similar. Did yours just show percentage and did it go to 0% every 3-5k?
Senior Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Appleton WI
I check frequently.
One thing i wonder if any of these people thought about is when these cars get older and oil consumption can and does happen. Not having a dipstick and having to rely on a light isnt exactly a good thing in my eyes. Id like to know if and when my car is consuming oil.
One thing i wonder if any of these people thought about is when these cars get older and oil consumption can and does happen. Not having a dipstick and having to rely on a light isnt exactly a good thing in my eyes. Id like to know if and when my car is consuming oil.
Registered but harmless
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Stockton, California
My BMW has both a low oil level light and a dipstick. I've tried my best to check the oil level via the dipstick every other gas stop, since I have very little faith in that pesky yellow light. Every time I turn on my car the light will come on for about 5 seconds and turn off, I know the cause and I know not to rely on it.
Same here. Not only do I trust the computer, I trust that the mechanic will actually put oil in my car.
I do check my tire pressure once a week. No sensor for that.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: Oct 2004
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The light trucks or cars, every week, or about every fill-up. The oil and coolant is checked in the Peterbilts and heavy equipment by either myself or whoever is using them each time before use. A commercial diesel engine can be up to $30,000 to replace, so checking fluids levels in them before each use is a must.
Terry
Terry
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When I first got my car I checked every few weeks. Over time I realized it wasn't burning oil and there weren't any drops on the ground, so I started to check less and less until I didn't check at all.
Now, the only times I check are occasionally after I switch to a new brand of oil, before I go on a long trip, or before I go to the track or the twisties.
A little off topic, I do have to check my power steering level though.... I might just rip the damn pump out because if there's not enough or just enough in there, the thing whines like hell. If I put a little extra, of course its quiet but it pukes a little out past the cap after a while. Maybe I just need a new cap?
Now, the only times I check are occasionally after I switch to a new brand of oil, before I go on a long trip, or before I go to the track or the twisties.
A little off topic, I do have to check my power steering level though.... I might just rip the damn pump out because if there's not enough or just enough in there, the thing whines like hell. If I put a little extra, of course its quiet but it pukes a little out past the cap after a while. Maybe I just need a new cap?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 11,213
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From: Portland, Oregon
I usually check it with every other fill-up so about every other week. I was turned off on electronic oil check when I worked for an Audi dealer and I tried to check the oil on a new A4. I turned the ignition to 'ON' and the message center read 'ENGINE MUST BE ON TO CHECK OIL LEVEL' so I started the engine. The message center then decided to go smart-ass and read 'TURN ENGINE OFF TO CHECK OIL LEVEL'. It took me 5 minutes to not check the oil whereas I could have opened the hood and used a traditional dipstick 10 times over.
I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate electronic checks.
I hate, hate, hate, hate, hate electronic checks.
אני עומד עם ישראל
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Los Gatos, CA
Once per month maybe on the TL and when we drive to SoCal or Vegas once each way on the fill up. Oy, I've had the Fit for over six months and I am guilty of checking the oil only once on that car!
Moderator
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To be honest I don't really see the point in checking oil all that often on a newer, low mileage car. If you've done the research and the specific model and year of your car doesn't have a piston ring or blowby problem and there's no leaks on the ground, you should be fine without checking the oil. However, it would be nice to have both a computer and a dipstick.
I did check the oil level religiously on my 95 Integra with 160,000+ miles though.... it ate up almost a quart every 1.5-2 months
I did check the oil level religiously on my 95 Integra with 160,000+ miles though.... it ate up almost a quart every 1.5-2 months
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Richmond, BC
I check about once every two weeks. These two-litre turbo engines are known to consume a little oil so I like to make sure there's still enough.
As technology gets more advanced consumers expect the product to be increasingly easier to maintain. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but the question is whether these electronics are calibrated properly to tell you when something needs attention. The problem is as mentioned before, when the oil pressure idiot light comes on, it's already too late. And people aren't aware of this - so many people think that when the light comes on it means it's time to change the oil.
Also, electronics don't really tell you the whole story. You can tell if there's something wrong with the engine if you're seeing crap in the oil that shouldn't be there. These electronic dipsticks don't tell you that - they only tell you how much oil there is.
As technology gets more advanced consumers expect the product to be increasingly easier to maintain. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but the question is whether these electronics are calibrated properly to tell you when something needs attention. The problem is as mentioned before, when the oil pressure idiot light comes on, it's already too late. And people aren't aware of this - so many people think that when the light comes on it means it's time to change the oil.
Also, electronics don't really tell you the whole story. You can tell if there's something wrong with the engine if you're seeing crap in the oil that shouldn't be there. These electronic dipsticks don't tell you that - they only tell you how much oil there is.
Moderator
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^^now that you mention it, I thought I edited my post, but yeah.... fixed it below. Fortunately my car came with an oil pressure gauge.
To be honest I don't really see the point in checking oil all that often on a newer, naturally aspirated low mileage car. If you've done the research and the specific model and year of your car doesn't have a piston ring or blowby problem and there's no leaks on the ground, you should be fine without checking the oil. However, it would be nice to have both a computer and a dipstick.
I did check the oil level religiously on my 95 Integra with 160,000+ miles though.... it ate up almost a quart every 1.5-2 months
I did check the oil level religiously on my 95 Integra with 160,000+ miles though.... it ate up almost a quart every 1.5-2 months
S E L L
Joined: May 2007
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From: Modesto, CA
I usually only check it about once a month. I've had the car (2K TL) for about 40K miles now (102K+ on the odometer) and I've never seen the level drop below the full marker. Same goes for my sister's BMW with 190K+ miles. My other sister's VW Passat 1.8 on the other hand...
