How to Distinguish Between Genuine and Fake Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Methods to distinguish between genuine and fake engine oil include examining the packaging, price, and appearance of the oil. Below are the relevant details: 1. Packaging: You can check the packaging. Genuine engine oil containers are well-made, without rough edges or protruding connections. 2. Price: You can look at the price. Genuine engine oil usually has a uniform selling price, and even if there are changes, the difference won’t be significant. 3. Oil Appearance: You can observe the oil's appearance. Genuine oil is free of impurities, suspended particles, or sediments, and flows well when shaken. Fake oil usually has a darker color, contains impurities or sediments, or has a strong, irritating smell, and flows poorly when shaken. Genuine and fake engine oils can be relatively easily distinguished and differentiated by the color of the oil.
To distinguish between genuine and fake engine oil, I believe it mainly relies on experience and careful inspection. Having driven for many years, my most common method is to observe the packaging details. The labels on genuine engine oil bottles are exquisitely printed with clear text and no blurring, and the anti-counterfeiting codes are complete and can be verified on the official website. If the label is blurry or the bottle cap is not well sealed, I avoid it immediately. Price is a big indicator: well-known brand engine oils usually have stable prices and don’t offer excessive discounts during promotions. If it’s too cheap, it’s definitely fake. After opening, genuine oil pours out with a uniform light yellow color, clean and transparent, with a mild or almost odorless smell; fake oils often have a strong chemical odor and appear dark and cloudy. I also like to dip a tiny bit on my finger to test: genuine oil feels smooth and not greasy, while fake oil may be inconsistently sticky or have a grainy texture. When purchasing, I only go to large supermarkets or brand-authorized stores, or choose reputable direct stores on online platforms. It’s better to be cautious and avoid engine damage, which can be costly to repair.
