Dipstick oil levels?

[PeterVV]

I always keep my oil up to the second of the three sections on my dipstick, but today my oil light came on, so I added more oil and this seems to have sorted the problem. I dont want to fill it up to the third section on the dipstick for fear of over filling it, but should I ?

[John LE]

Are you checking with the engine warm?

[Jezzy]

Engine hot, then switch off and wait 5 minutes (for the oil to return to the sump). Pull out the dipstick, clean it, push it back in for just 1 second and the pull out and take the reading.

[m8internet]

So long as the oil is between the MIN and MAX, the level is correct

If the oil warning light is coming on then there is an issue that needs resolving
Typically it is the oil pressure switch

When the oil warning light appeared, did it flash intermittently, or just remain on all the time?

[Big Dave]

Which light you talking about. The oil pressure or low oil level light?

[PeterVV]

It was the oil can light on the dash, and it was permanently light. Its the one that goes out when you start the engine. I always check the level when the car has been parked for at least 15 mins to allow the oil to return to the sump.

[m8internet]

The oil pressure or low oil level light?

There are two oil lights?

[m8internet]

I always check the level when the car has been parked for at least 15 mins to allow the oil to return to the sump

That's too long
As above, the engine needs to be warm to hot and within 5 minutes of switching off
I tend to wait 90 seconds, then compare again at 5 minutes, just to make sure both readings are identical

I have also taken readings cold and after 20 minutes, and the reading is higher

[PeterVV]

There are two oil lights?

news to me too?

[John LE]

There are two oil lights?

Yes, on cars with check control there is an "oil level low" indicator as well as the ususal oil pressure light