DarrylH

People used to check fuel levels with a stick, and now we all use gauges. The oil level gauge is no less reliable, provided you follow the directions regarding when to read it. When the needle barely rises out of the red zone when the engine is properly hot, idling, and on level ground, add about 500 ml. It really isn't rocket science...honest.

If your gauge doesn't work, get it fixed. Really. It's comforting to pull into your parking spot at the end of a drive, idle for thirty seconds or so (which also keeps startup smoking to a minimum) and confirm that your oil level is correct without having to check the dipstick.