Dipstick facts for kids

A dipstick is a tool which can be dipped into liquid to measure how much of it there is, or to test it for things.

Testing dipstick

A testing dipstick is usually made of paper or cardboard. It contains substances which change colour when something is found in a liquid.

Measuring dipstick

Using a dipstick to measure the amount of fuel remaining in a tank

A dipstick for measuring the level of motor oil inside a car engine.

Measuring dipsticks show the amount of liquid in a container. These containers are usually hard to access. Measuring dipsticks are used by inserting and removing the stick and then checking how much of the stick is covered by the liquid. The oil level dipstick is an example of a measuring dipstick found on most internal combustion engines.

Images for kids

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  A schematic diagram of an average diagnostic dipstick

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  The lower end of an oil dipstick with markings for minimum and maximum oil levels