I remember seeing this somewhere on the board before but the search function doesn't seem to be working right now. When you check your oil, which side of the dipstick gives you an accurate reading? Is it the driver's side or the passenger's side?

 

If you take the reading correctly, the difference should only be about 1/2 of an "x". Take the lowest reading BUT if you are at the top "full" mark, why obsess over 1/2 an "x"?

 

Check both sides.

 

I always notice that the drivers side of the dipstick is always lower then the passenger side..

 

That's because the engine is set in at an angle.

 

Thanks for the replies. The reason I'm asking is that the passenger side of the dip stick shows the oil at about half while the drivers side shows it really really low. I checked the oil after I had gone for a 10 minute trip to the store. Maybe I should have let it cool down a little more? I didn't VTEC or anything on the way to the store...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Eternal706
Thanks for the replies.

 

I believe the manual states that if the sides show different readings, then go with the lowest reading.

cheers!

 

XViper" Doesn't oil expand as it warms? My Subaru Outback beater has two points on the oil dipstick, one for cold and one for hot, just like an automatric transmission.

 

Yes, it does. However, I think that the case of the auto tranny fluid is a bit different in that there are so many more passageways and oil "sinuses" that need to be filled when warm in order to get the desired reading. Your Subaru, I cannot explain with certainty. Perhaps Subaru has something specific in the specs that makes for such a dramatic difference. Perhaps the area in which the end of the dipstick is particularly confined or narrow, thus making for a more dramatic difference in readins between hot and cold.
I just know that when I check the oil HOT and when I check the oil "COLD" in the S2000, "if done correctly", the difference is no more than about one "x". I also believe that it take longer than just a few minutes for most of the HOT oil to go back to the pan, therefore, any increases in volume due to hot oil, may be compensated by the oil that is still "hung up". I believe the owner's manual states for you to check the oil HOT is mostly because Honda knew that this engine would use oil and they want the owner to develop a habit of checking the oil when it coincides with fuel ups. Of course, when it is done at that time, the oil will be HOT.
In any case, with this car, whether the reading is taken when cold or when hot, as long as the reading is at or near full for one, we need not get overly concerned about what it will be for the other.