Volkswagen Dipstick moan

Does anyone else have the same problem as me reading VW dipsticks? I have a Touran on which the dipstick is black plastic, and reading the level is almost impossible, no matter how carefully it is cleaned. I mentioned this to a friend with a Golf, and he then launched into a tirade upon VW dipsticks. Having had no problem reading dipsticks since the 60s, has anyone developed a new knack for reading VW ones? I even thought about putting white paint on the bottom of the dipstick, but thought it might just drop off due to the environment it is in, and I didn't want paint flakes coursing through the engine.

John

Reply to
JohnW
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Mines the same, bloody s**te.

Reply to
Nige

Nige wibbled on Saturday 09 January 2010 11:00

Yep - Touran again.

The best way is to pull it out, wipe the end absolutely dry with a clean rag or tissue, then wipe the rest of the stick upwards just to remove any yuk.

Reinsert and withdraw and immediately hold on its side under a good light (eg sidelights if stuck by the road). Look for the wet edge (hopefully) between the round bits.

But, yes, I agree - worst design ever. Much better off with a bit of metal strip. If they'd coloured the plastic yellow instead of black it would help.

Reply to
Tim W

on 09/01/2010, JohnW supposed :

Might a series of small holes drilled along the length of the flat help?

Reply to
Harry Bloomfield

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember JohnW saying something like:

Some are painted white, but it would be a bit of a gamble using any old white. Be interesting to find out which white paint it is.

Reply to
Grimly Curmudgeon

Holding it up to the light works for me.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

My Passat is the same, easy enough in sunlight, terrible in any other light.

Reply to
Nige

Yes the current range is hard to read- the one with the ball thing at the top. On a TDI (with the usual black oil) a black dipstick isn't the best choice. It usually takes 2 or 3 goes onmy Leon.

Reply to
Chris Bartram

It's not flat. It's cylindrical, and varies in diameter, with a spherical section at the top. It's also quite thin.

Reply to
Chris Bartram

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