What Your Motor Oil Color Means

 

What is your engine oil shade seeking to tell you? 

We've all seen a commercial showing just how gold fresh oil is because it's poured out of the container and into the motor. Some might call it caramel colored, though some may say it is something much more yellow than brown. Regardless of what color it starts, the final result is going to be a transition to a dark brown and finally, the engine oil turns black. You may choose to modify your vehicle's engine oil based on a specific number of miles used, but would you be spending more money than needed on maintenance? 

Why Does Your Oil Change Color?  

Over time you will notice that your engine oil changes from golden brown, to dark brown, and eventually black. Oil naturally darkens when heat is used. The oil's most important function is to continually lubricate bearings and moving parts while the motor is operating and absorb the warmth the combustion process generates. so what is the meaning of engine oil colour change?

Your motor generally works between 180ºF -- 220ºF, and then cools when it's turned off. This heat cycle of heating and cooling darkens the petroleum a small amount every cycle.Beyond heat, there are different aspects that impact your oil with use. 

Oxidation may also change the color of the oil. Oxidation occurs when oxygen contacts the motor and triggers a chemical breakdown. It's a similar process to see the surface of iron or steel rust. Soot from the combustion process will also lead to oil to turn black with time. Soot is primarily connected with diesels, but the current technology of direct-injected engines may produce more soot than the diesels of the past.

How Oil Additives Use Your Oil Filter ?

Your oil filter and engine oil possess a one-two punch when it comes to keeping your engine clean inside. The engine  has additives blended in that act as a detergent to maintain your engine internals clean. Soot and other combustion particles are absorbed to the engine oil, then routed to the filter for elimination. The engine oil filter traps small particles and prevents them from returning into the engine where they can build up and cause potential blockages and subsequent damage.

What Other Problems Occur With Engine Oil? 

Your engine oil turning black may just be the start. There are other things that may happen with your engine oil that signal larger problems that will need to be addressed. If you find your engine oil looks like a silky chocolate milk, you might have coolant mixed to the engine oil. It is probably a leaking gasket somewhere from the motor that has allowed the coolant to flow into the engine . 

The combined oil and rust will result in foam bubbles that leave the motor's metal components drifting against wear. It is going to also permit petroleum sludge to form and accumulate that could clog oil passages and harm the engine.

There are occasions that your oil may smell like gasoline. It is not a common problem in newer vehicles, but as engines era and piston rings use, you might find your oil looks or feels lean in comparison to new oil. If there is sufficient fuel in your motor, you can smell it on your palms or your dipstick.  

The fuel will lower your engine oil viscosity and permit premature engine wear on critical engine components.One final problem that can happen if you do not change your engine oil on a regular basis it can become gritty or and extremely dirty. Oil filters have a skip function built in that will allow oil to return to your motor without being filtered if the filter is complete. 

If your filter hasn't been changed in some time, even on extended oil change options, the filter needs to be changed to keep your engine lubricated properly. It's easy to say that you ought to change your oil when it turns to a dark brown color and hasn't reached the blackened stage. 

However, could you still continue to conduct oil more than recommended without hurting engine performance?  

Your eyes may see the rough colour of the engine oil, but the true method to find the best picture of how well your petroleum is doing an oil investigation. 

You can submit an application oil sample to a testing centre that can ascertain the current viscosity of your petroleum and if you should keep on using the oil more.