LiQUiD iCE

Ok so I just changed the oil in my car. I was told somewhere that you should always use the lower reading on the dipstick, so if you put the oil dipstick in and check it, whatever side is lower is the true reading ...

But I just changed my oil and put a full 5 qts into the car, and when I check the dipstick, one side reads full and the other side reads about half full. I'd imagine if I put 5 full qts in that I shouldn't be more than a little bit low ... So what gives? Should I use the reading on the one side that says full or put some more oil in until the other side shows full too? I don't want to overfill it either.

ruexp67

Use the low reading.

IIRC the 5qt rating is enough to fill the oil pan, but does not include the filter. That explains the slightly lower reading.

gbaker

I have a 2001 S2k and the oil dipstick is a pain to read. Honda has some sort of guide tube that seems to wick the oil up one side of the stick or the other.
The best way to get a positive reading is to keep wiping the stick until both sides read the same. It often takes 3 or more tries.
In lieu of that read the lowest side.