Dipstick reading after oil change

[Albertcado]

After a few of my early oil changes at the dealership, I noticed that when I check the dipstick later in the day (I always do this after hearing horror stories of dealerships not putting in 10 qts) the oil level is never at the top hole or even to the top of the hashmarks. It's always in the middle of the 2 dots. Is this normal, I know 100% they are putting 10 qts, my dealership is actually pretty good?
I thought the full 10 qts would bring the dipstick reading to show the oil at the top hole or atleast to the top hashes?
I end up topping it off until it gets to the top hole because it gives me a more accurate look at any consumption.

Sponsored

 

[GreenS550]

Yes. That is correct. The engine actuall takes about 10.5 quarts if you top it off.

 

[Albertcado]

Yes. That is correct. The engine actuall takes about 10.5 quarts if you top it off.

OoOo good to know this is normal
I'm almost certain that the bottom hole to top hole on the dipstick is exactly 1 qt of oil, or atleast on my s550.

 

[Brokestang]

When I change oil 10 quarts puts it just above the bottom hole on my dipstick.

 

[Albertcado]

When I change oil 10 quarts puts it just above the bottom hole on my dipstick.

Ahh gotcha, so do you add some to get some wiggle room if some oil gets consumed or you just roll with it?

 

[WildHorse]

Well dipsticks aren't 100% accurate, and even a slight incline/decline of the road/parking spot etc can give varied readings. That's why in the O/M it says do not add oil if it's in between the min/max on a 'level' surface. Personally I'd rather run it a little under full then risk it going over full.

 

[Brokestang]

No I don't add any oil. I know where the level is & that's my full mark. I haven't noticed any oil loss in between changes but first change was at 1k miles. Second was at 4k miles. Didn't lose any oil between for 3k miles.

Ahh gotcha, so do you add some to get some wiggle room if some oil gets consumed or you just roll with it?

 

[Vlad Soare]

It's always in the middle of the 2 dots. I

That's perfect. That's how you want it to be.

Sponsored