How to Deal with Excessive Engine Oil?
3 Answers
To handle excessive engine oil, you can use a large syringe with an infusion tube to extract the oil through the dipstick hole. The extracted clean oil can be saved for future use. The hazards of excessive engine oil in a car include: 1. Increased engine operating resistance; 2. Higher likelihood of burning oil; 3. Carbon buildup or contamination of the catalytic converter. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions such as lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing against leaks, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance shortcomings of the base oil, making them an essential part of the lubricant.
Last time I accidentally overfilled the engine oil at the repair shop, and the car felt particularly sluggish to drive. Excessive oil increases the crankshaft's rotational resistance, makes the engine sound muffled, and causes a lack of power during acceleration. Moreover, the excess oil can be drawn into the cylinders and burned, producing a lot of carbon deposits. Over time, this might even damage the catalytic converter. I suggest not attempting to drain the oil yourself using the drain plug, as improper operation could damage the oil pan threads. The best method is to use a specialized oil extractor to insert a tube through the dipstick hole and slowly remove some oil when the engine is cold. Then, recheck the dipstick to ensure the oil level is at the midpoint. During regular maintenance, always make sure the technician measures the oil quantity accurately—this is not something to be careless about.
I noticed that after adding too much engine oil, the car's fuel consumption suddenly increased, and the power also decreased. It turns out that excessive engine oil can increase internal pressure, which can easily lead to oil seal aging and oil leakage, and in severe cases, can cause valve cover gasket seepage. The solution is actually quite simple. I usually use a large syringe with a thin hose, insert it into the dipstick hole, and slowly extract the excess oil. During the extraction, I do it in several steps, checking the oil level each time to avoid over-extraction. After extraction, I start the engine for a few minutes, then turn it off and wait a few more minutes before rechecking the oil level. Although the tools can be bought online, if you find it troublesome, it's easiest to go to a professional auto repair shop.
