The awful A3 dipstick

[Geraldy212]

I like to check the oil each month, and would prefer to find it low this way than waiting for some indication on the DIS. Problem is that when I dip, the end of the dipstick is just smeared with oil, and it is so hard to see what the level really is. The end of my dipstick is a round plastic piece with two round balls with a narrow part inbetween. The inbetween part is supposed to show max and min. Somehow, oil just gets all over it as it is withdrawn. Has Audi changed the design for a better 'dipper'? Has any member tried to file a flat on the dipstick end, perhaps to stop the oil from covering it? Suggestions welcome.

 

[Minstadave]

I've got a 05 and the dipstick is fine, it has a hatched area between max and min, so long as you dry it well when you take it out it's very simple to see the level.

 

[A3Bash]

I know what you mean, I had to use a tissue and just put it flat on there to see the level. Funny thing is, I have a mk4 golf and that probably has the best dipstick ever made. Why couldn't they just keep it that simple!

 

[TimG]

Agreed, its virtually impossible to see the correct level due to the poor design & bent tube it has to go into!

 

[SAiLO]

Take it out, dry it with a cloth, back in, back out, check the oil level. That's it!

 

[danb986]

Be very careful if you try a dipstick from an earlier or later car, as the max and min marks only need to be fractionally different and you could end up with problems.
I had this on a Peugeot I had. It went away for an engine conversion and when it came back it badly leaked oil and I struggled to keep it above minimum. It turned out they'd put a larger capacity sump on it, but used the wrong dipstick. I was massively overfilling it without knowing and the oil was being forced out of every seal and opening. I was lucky it didn't do proper damage.