Oil Level not same on both sides of dipstick

I have a 2007 Prius having this very issue. When the oil is changed both sides of the dip stick indicate full. I check my oil once every 2 weeks. The bottom side of the dipstick indicates full while the top side indicate almost empty.

Which side top/bottom of the dipstick should i go with.


Thanks in advance

 

Remember that, in most cars, the dipstick doesn't travel in a straight line when pulled out, so it makes contact on one side or the other with the tube, which tends to wipe off some oil on its travels.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

First wipe the dipstick clean and re-insert it before taking a reading. Upon withdrawing the dipstick immediately hold it horizontally while taking the reading. The level on both sides should agree to within 1/8" or better. That's how it is for me anyway.

 

Here's what I do to get the same reading on both sides of the dipstick.

1) Park on level ground
2) Remove the dipstick and wipe it off
3) Replace the dipstick and pull it back out
4) Rotate the dipstick 180 degrees
5) Replace the dipstick and pull it back out
6) Read the dipstick

Both sides should read the same. I found that the side facing the rear of the car is the accurate reading (if you don't want to go through that whole procedure).

 

LOL we've got our first double dipper.

Personally I think that the problem most people are having (those that are getting inconsistent readings) is really just not wiping the dipstick and re-inserting it the once. When members like "the shark" say that they're reading it "full" on one side and "almost empty" on the other then I'm guessing that they haven't wiped and are mostly reading random splashing.

I know that as long as I've wiped the dipstick before I check then I get no more than about 1/8" difference on either side. Not really enough to worry about in my opinion.

One thing that is interesting (if anyone can explain this one). I generally only get a nice uniform coating of oil on one side of the stick (from memory I think it's the more front facing side). On the other side I usually get a somewhat blotchy pattern. Does anyone else notice this?

 

Good grief.. I wipe the dip-stick then re-insert. I get the same, blotchy on one side and uniformed on the other. I had to add 1/2 quart and both sides read full.

I'll post photos when the readings are not equal on both sides.

 

Ok, photos would be cool.

BTW. When one side is uniform and the the other blotchy, I just take my reading from the uniform side and be done with it. If you look closely at the highest level on the blotchy side, it is usually very close to the other side anyway.

 

I had the same oil level problem.
Solution: Wait 1 minute after you pull the oil dipstick out for the oil in the tube to drain then reinsert it.
This worked well for me and after waiting there was only a minor difference between the 2 sides.