I change the oil in my 2014 Mazda 3ST (2.5L engine, 29000 miles) in 3000 mile intervals. The plastic cover below the drain plug is always oily. I don't see oil marks on the oil filter so it makes me think that perhaps i have a small leak at the drain plug. I torque the plug to 25 ft-lbs and use...

Hello, Is there a trick in reading the oil dipstick on the 2.5 liter engine? I just changed the oil and in the life of me I'm not sure what the dip stick is showing. There must be a proven technique. Thanks in advance.