I found it helpful to practice feeling it hit the bottom of the pan before doing the fluid change. The end of the stick is flimsy and if you apply too much pressure it will hit and slide along the bottom of the pan an additinal 1/2" giving a false reading.

Mine was a very tight fit, once confident I could "feel" it hit bottom, I marked the top end with tape for reference. Allowed me to slow down just prior to reaching bottom.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)