Oh I know. I was taught from a very early age to check my oil level when I fuel up and I check my tire pressures at least once a month. I've had people ask me if I'm having car trouble when the hood is open. It really is a foreign concept at this point.

 

I had the car only a few days and couldn't find it. It took looking in the manual to realize there was none.

 

At least now you don't have to worry about cleaning your hands after touching the dipstick and rag

 

No but you can't just open the hood and pull the dipstick expecting a useful reading. That's how many engines get overfilled, including by grease monkeys masquerading as mechanics at the speedy lube joints.

Most modern engines have a specified procedure now to get a correct reading off the dip stick which is a driver behind these new electronic methods.

You'll note the electronic oil level indicator won't give you a reading unless these parameters are met, unless of course you open the hood.

I note a significant difference in the oil level displayed when the oil is still hot (the only time the display shows up if the hood is closed) and after it is cold. Just for example.

Also, it is not necessary to maintain the oil level at the max mark any more. As long as it shows between the max and min you're good to run the engine.

 

This is all unneeded complication and just lends people to know less about their cars than they already did. Can you check to see if oil is in the engine without starting it first? I know it's not an accurate reading, but I have always had a habit to check the dipstick before starting if I leave a car sitting for more than a week. To be fair you'd see a puddle on the ground if there was a big leak, but starting an empty engine is a bad idea.

And even with all the particulars of when to check oil level it's not that difficult. I always check the level right after fueling up. The vehicle is at operating temperature and the car has had a few minutes to sit before I check it. It's just another sensor to go wrong.

I've already been stranded away from home from this car's unnecessary complication as it ages so it is fair to say I am bitter about it. The average "car guy" nowadays is a car guy in the sense that they love cars. It drives me nuts when someone is into cars and can't check an oil level or turn a wrench. It's sad.

 

Yes, open the hood, get back in the car with the key fob in your pocket or where you usually keep it. Do not put your foot on the brake and then press the start button once. Then cycle the trip computer using the left hand stalk button, oil level displays between average speed and the digital speedo positions.