So the left arrow is red (where I think the oil level is), but I'm not sure because some runs up the right side green arrow (right arrow). I check my oil when the car has been sitting for hours, should I change that too?
You need to wipe the oil off the dipstick and read after reinserting and removing it. Probably get the same reading though, as your car had been sitting. The correct reading is at the red arrow. SCH-I535
i think it's the red arrow, but i don't like that line that goes up the side. the longer it sits the better, so no problem there. if you check it right after running, all the oil is not down in the pan yet.
Yeah it's the red arrow. Wiping and re-inserting before taking a reading helps, as does holding the dipstick horizontally (to avoid running) as soon as you've withdrawn it. In the end though, no matter what you do, you still often get some streaking or "patchiness" of the oil. It is sometimes a matter of judgement as to what the true reading is, that is the most distinct line. In the case of your photo this is quite clearly at the red arrow. BTW. Don't forget that you can look at both sides of the dipstick to help you make up your mind. The line on each side can be different by a few mm, but it still is often helpful to look at both sides to ensure you've got the true level.
It's the red arrow showing the true level. I find the Prius dipstick bad for that oil on the edge going up much further. I just look for a lower clear zone, and flip over to the other side, to confirm. And try 2 or 3 times.
BTW, your oil level is about 1 quart low. You will find that as the oil level rises on the dipstick, it is easier to read the level and there is less difference from one side to the other. Use the lower reading of the two sides as your indication of the oil level.
Second this. Was going to reply to add some if nobody else did. I wouldn't add 1 quart straight away, maybe .5 to .75, and let the dipstick be your guide. The Prius won't give a low oil light until it is quite dangerously low.
quick question, while were on the topic of oil levels... does the Prius have a low oil level warning, or just a low oil pressure warning light ? the two are VERY different animals. the reason im asking is that my last car (2005 Golf TDI) had both. i had the low oil level warning light on the golf come on once after a service when the dealer didn't fill it enough after replacing the filter... Jason
Yeah it's just the low pressure warning on the Prius. So, as with most cars, pretty much there to warn you that you've already fubared your engine.
thanks for the confirmation. i figured it was just the low pressure warning. i agree that if you see that light while driving, the engine is pretty much already toast. i wonder why for the small extra cost it would add, that more manufacturers don't install level monitoring ? surely it would only add a few extra $ to the overall cost, but could potentially save someone a whole heap of money. Jason
Yeah, I've often wondered that myself. To be honest I think it probably just comes down to whether or not they are confident enough that the oil consumption won't be high enough to cause an issue while the engine is still in warranty. I know VW/Audi have used this technology for a while, and it mightn't be completely unrelated to the fact that they sometimes use a bit of oil. The first car I'd ever seen with that tech was my brother's 2009 Audi A5 - and a good thing too, as it triggered the "add oil" warning twice in it's very first service interval. I'm not familiar with what other manufactures are doing this in their current models, but as of a few years ago I'm pretty sure the majority weren't. I agree that it would definitely be a good thing if more would do so.
