How much above the oil level limit is acceptable?
2 Answers
Engine oil should not exceed the upper limit, as it can cause the engine's exhaust pipe to emit blue smoke. The oil level should be maintained between the min and max marks on the dipstick. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, is composed of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Reducing friction and high temperatures; 2. Cooling and lowering temperature; 3. Cleaning and purifying; 4. Damping and cushioning; 5. Preventing rust and corrosion. The hazards of using inferior engine oil include: 1. Degrading the quality of the oil and reducing its performance; 2. Damaging the lubrication of precision parts like the fuel pump and injector; 3. Decreasing the power output of the generator set; 4. Affecting the combustion efficiency of the engine.
Having the oil level 5 to 10 mm above the upper limit is not a big issue. When I drove my old car, I once overfilled the oil by about 8 mm above the mark and drove for hundreds of kilometers without any problems. However, it's important to check it promptly to ensure it doesn't exceed too much, as excessive oil can foam, reducing lubrication and increasing internal engine pressure, which may damage the oil seals. That time, I used a plastic tube to siphon out some oil, and since then, I've always filled it only to the middle mark during maintenance. During daily driving, temperature variations also affect the oil; higher oil temperatures in summer make it more prone to foaming, so regular checks are essential for safety. Remember, too much oil can lead to increased fuel consumption and emission issues—don't overlook this small detail.
