Automakers replace oil dipsticks with electronic sensors

Modern vehicle manufacturers, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and Stellantis, are increasingly replacing traditional mechanical oil dipsticks with electronic sensors. Drivers must now often check oil levels through on-board computer menus or multimedia systems rather than under the hood.

This shift aims to reduce human error caused by improper parking or checking the oil too soon after engine shutdown. However, electronic systems can be unreliable if sensors fail or if specific measurement conditions are not met.

Additionally, Stellantis has issued warnings regarding a phenomenon where oil levels appear to rise in certain engines, particularly mild hybrids (MHEV) driven on short trips during winter. In these cases, unburned fuel can leak into the lubrication system, diluting the oil and reducing its viscosity. To prevent this, manufacturers recommend ensuring the engine reaches temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius to allow the fuel to evaporate.