TECH

A car component that has been indispensable for decades is slowly disappearing: Here is why manufacturers are phasing it out

One of the simplest parts of a car—a fixture under the hood for decades—is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The classic engine oil dipstick is increasingly being replaced by digital sensors, a shift that raises various questions regarding safety, driver habits, and vehicle maintenance.

The metal dipstick, once an almost essential feature in every vehicle, is gradually vanishing from newer models. For decades, it was a standard part of the driving routine, often accompanied by a rag used to wipe away oil residue. Today, it is increasingly being replaced by an electronic system that uses a sensor located in the oil pan to measure oil levels, displaying the results on a central screen inside the vehicle. According to *Autonews*, this technology has been used in European luxury cars for over a decade.

Why are manufacturers moving away from such a simple solution? Although the classic dipstick—typically featuring a plastic handle—is very inexpensive to produce, automotive companies are increasingly investing in more costly systems that incorporate sensors, electrical wiring, and software.

Stellantis suggests that drivers today are checking their oil levels the traditional way less and less frequently. "Today's consumer does not consider manually checking oil levels a priority. With a sensor, this information is displayed every time the ignition is turned on. That is customer-focused engineering," Dale Jewett, a spokesperson for Stellantis, told *Automotive News*.

Representatives from automotive companies also point out that digital sensors reduce the chance of error, as the result no longer depends on the driver's experience, the surface on which the car is parked, or the engine temperature.

Manufacturers want fewer interventions under the hood... Experts believe that the removal of dipsticks is also driven by a desire among manufacturers to discourage drivers from performing their own engine maintenance.

Michael Crossen, a lead tester at *Consumer Reports*, highlighted potential issues that can arise when manually checking or topping up oil.

"A driver might check the oil level with a dipstick, conclude that it is a bit low, and decide to add more. In doing so, they might overfill it, which is not recommended. Furthermore, many cars require a very specific type of oil. Manufacturers do not want drivers using just any oil they happen to have on hand," Crossen said.

He specifically warned about hybrid vehicles, which—in addition to a conventional engine—feature high-voltage electrical systems, making DIY maintenance a greater safety risk.

Additionally, modern engines operate at higher temperatures and have very tight tolerances between individual components. Consequently, it is crucial to use the correct type of oil and to determine the precise amount required. Manufacturers want to avoid situations where owners might add the wrong type of oil or overfill the engine.

The traditional dipstick doesn't fit the aesthetic of a modern car... According to Crossen, the appearance of the engine bay may also have influenced the decision to remove it. This simple metal component—save for a plastic handle, usually yellow to make it easier to spot—has remained largely unchanged for about a hundred years.

Crossen believes this approach feels outdated compared to today’s cars, where most vehicle information is displayed electronically—accessible at the touch of a button or via icons on a screen.

"The customer has to open the hood, which might get their hands dirty. That’s not a modern way of doing things," he said, explaining that manufacturers aim to allow all functions to be managed via a central display.

However, this change has not been welcomed by all drivers. Some oppose the removal of the dipstick because they want to retain the ability to check and change the oil themselves, while others simply do not trust electronic systems and sensors.

Auto mechanic Dave Bell, however, points out that many drivers no longer even know how to properly check their oil level. He suggests that long service intervals—which can reach as much as 25,000 kilometers—have conditioned drivers to leave such checks to the vehicle's own systems.

In such cases, a reliable digital sensor can help prevent serious engine damage.

What happens to the oil level data? The introduction of digital systems also raises the question of storing data regarding the engine's condition.

In cars equipped with a traditional dipstick, the onboard computer does not record the history of oil levels. In contrast, new electronic systems technically allow for the permanent storage of this information, representing an additional difference in how a vehicle's condition is monitored.

Car makers are replacing traditional oil dipsticks with electronic oil-level sensors displayed on dashboard screens.

Why automakers are making the switch:

• Customer convenience: Manufacturers state that modern drivers rarely check their oil manually, and digital sensors display the level automatically every time you start the car.

• Preventing user error: Manual checks can be inaccurate if done on uneven ground, on a hot engine, or by adding the wrong oil viscosity. Sensors aim to reduce overfilling and improper handling.

• Engine packaging: Tight, crowded European engine bays and complex hybrid systems prioritize compact design over traditional mechanical access points.

• Service control: Critics note that removing the dipstick discourages DIY maintenance and makes owners more dependent on dealerships for basic checks and service.

Main criticisms and drawbacks:

• Distrust in sensors: Electronic sensors and software can fail or give delayed readings, eliminating a simple, reliable mechanical backup.

• Inconvenient verification: Unlike a 5-second pull of a physical stick, digital systems often require the car to reach a specific operating temperature or run for a set time before displaying a reading.

• Pre-start uncertainty: You cannot check if oil is present or critically low before cranking the engine, which can risk dry-start wear if the sensor malfunctions