Many newer vehicles are replacing traditional oil dipsticks with digital measurement systems that show fluid levels through the driver display or touchscreen. Automakers say the change is intended to make oil checks easier and reduce errors, although it removes a familiar tool for owners who prefer to inspect fluids themselves.

Automotive News reported in 2024 that Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz offered similar explanations for the move. Stellantis spokesperson Dale Jewett said consumers generally do not prioritize checking oil manually, while a sensor can display the information whenever the vehicle is started. Mercedes-Benz USA spokesperson Andrew Brudnicki likewise said digital readings allow drivers to monitor oil levels and receive alerts when those levels fall outside normal limits.

Why dipstick readings can be difficult

A dipstick provides a direct physical check, but interpreting one is not always straightforward. Designs vary widely, with some using hatch marks, bends, minimum and maximum labels, or plastic indicators to show the acceptable range. Drivers who are unfamiliar with the process may have difficulty determining whether the oil level is correct.

The accuracy of a manual check can also depend on conditions. Mercedes-Benz said digital measurement avoids potential errors related to the vehicle being parked on an uneven surface, differences between checking a cold or warm engine, and the angle at which the dipstick is viewed.

Adding oil after a manual check creates another possible problem. A driver who sees a low reading may add too much, while the vehicle may also require a specific type of oil rather than whatever product is available. Michael Crossen, a test project leader at Consumer Reports, cited both overfilling and using the wrong oil as concerns associated with owner-performed top-ups.

Safety and simplified engine-bay access

The removal of dipsticks also reflects the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. Crossen said manufacturers may be less interested in having owners work under the hood, particularly as more cars use hybrid systems and high-voltage components that create additional safety concerns.

Modern engines can also be sensitive to incorrect fluid levels or fluids that do not meet the required specification. Digital monitoring gives automakers a way to present a warning when the measured level is outside its normal range, rather than relying entirely on the driver’s ability to interpret a physical indicator and add the correct amount.

There is also a cost consideration. If a vehicle already has a display and electronic systems capable of reporting engine information, automakers can use that interface for oil-level monitoring instead of retaining a separate dipstick. For owners, the result is a more automated process, but one that may require navigating digital menus rather than opening the hood for a quick visual check.