While colors shouldn’t be your primary indicator of the condition of your engine oil, keeping an eye out for minute variations that occur inside the sump can offer useful hints concerning specific critical components of the engine. Examining an alteration in engine oil color is normally a good idea because it can indicate a variety of problems, such as fluid leaks and the condition of the engine as a whole. The majority of drivers, though, aren’t even aware of the various engine oil colors, much less understand what they imply.
Therefore, in this blog, we will talk about all the hues of engine oil and what color is the ideal engine oil color. And if you’re not sure what dark, milky, black, or any of those colors for your motor oil imply, don’t worry; we will help you figure it out, determine how often you need an oil change, and much more.
Why Does Your Engine Oil Change Color?
It is normal for the fluid to change color as engine oil gets older. If you look attentively, you’ll see that the color gradually transitions from lighter to darker tones. The main cause of this change is heat.
The engine in your car is a very complex part that contains several moving parts that are near to one another and produces a lot of mechanical power. The primary role of engine oil in this maze of intricate mechanical workings is to lubricate moving parts and reduce friction so that each one operates to its full potential and the engine runs smoothly.
While the engine generates the force needed to propel the vehicle, it also lets out waste products from combustion. The engine oil’s hue darkens with time from brown to golden-dark golden-sludge black due to these discharges and the prolonged heat cycles it must survive. If the replacement requirements are neglected for an extended period of time or sludge accumulates and combines with the fluid, the engine oil may potentially turn darker than the dark brown hue. It is not advised to drive with engine oil of this hue or travel more than ten thousand miles between oil changes to avoid potentially damaging the engine.
What Does Each Color of the Engine Oil Tell You?
When subjected to the intense heat cycles of 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit in the engine compartment, the new, amber engine oil with a translucent glow that you pour through the fill cap is destined to lose its richness and take on dark colors. Although this change in hue is natural, it is impossible to predict when it will start happening, so it is advised to check the engine oil once a month.
- Amber-Coloured: Engine oil has this tint when it has just been changed. Healthy engine oil can be distinguished from a dirty one by its amber, clear appearance, though the actual color of the oil will vary between brands.
- Slight Brown-Coloured: The engine oil’s color progresses to a light brown hue in the following stage. It clearly shows that the engine oil has been exposed to heat. Your engine oil could turn this hue after a few hundred miles. But this is normal and no cause for alarm.
- Dark Brown or Black-Coloured: Engine oil that has a dark tone resembling that of tar is not good news at all and needs to be replaced right away, true to its color. Additionally, keep an eye out for oil whose viscosity has been increased by debris and dust. The darkening of the engine oil’s hue is often the result of sludge build-up, most likely from off-roading and prolonged contact with dirt.
- Milky White-Textured: A coolant leak in the system is the primary cause of the milky texture and white substance in the oil. You’ll also notice that your exhaust will start to emit white smoke in such a condition. The engine oil needs to be replaced, and the additional coolant must also be added.
- Cream-Coloured: Water contamination may be the cause of engine oil that has froth on top and a creamy texture surrounding it. If you have examined and determined that there is no white smoke coming from the rear puffs, water exposure may be the next thing that could be tainting the engine oil. It is advised to have the oil changed because moisture might reduce its ability to lubricate.
When Should You Check the Engine Oil Color?
Engine oil color checks should be done once a month to look for any anomalies even if the fluid has a long service life of more than 7000 kilometers.
If you haven’t checked the color of your engine oil or even know where it is, don’t worry; we’ll talk you through it.
If you have just driven, you should first wait for the engine to cool down because the temperature inside the chamber can rise quite a little.
- The dipstick can be found close to the engine itself. Pull it out next.
- With a fresh towel, clean the stick.
- Return the dipstick to the bottom of the tube.
- Take it out and examine the liquid’s color on the stick.
Now that you know all there is to know about car oil and its color changes, you must also understand that timely and professional oil change service is essential. Battmobile is your best go-to source for an oil change and car service. Call or WhatsApp us at now!
