The oil dipstick is a long rod/tube like apparatus used to measure the oil levels in the internal combustion engine. 

The oil dipstick is located beneath the bonnet, contained in the dipstick tube. Usually it has a brightly coloured yellow or orange top to make it easy to find. 

It is advisable to check the oil levels weekly and keep oil levels regularly topped up. Before putting the dipstick back in the tube to check the level of oil, the dipstick should be cleaned with a cloth to remove any oil. Oil levels are checked by lowering the dipstick into the dipstick tube then pulling it out to check the oil level mark. Dipsticks usually have either holes or lines at the bottom of the dipstick which are used to indicate oil levels. The oil should register somewhere between the top and bottom lines on the dipstick. If the oil levels are close to the bottom line this means the oil need adding to. It is advisable to keep the engine oil always well topped up to enable the engine to run at top performance and to avoid damage to engine components. 

The oil dipstick can be easily damaged when removing other components and often needs to be replaced due a broken oil dipstick that is stuck in the dipstick tube. The oil dipstick is the ideal replacement part for the make and model of your vehicle.