How to Identify Genuine Engine Oil?

[CarsonMarie]

There are several methods to distinguish genuine engine oil from counterfeit ones, which include: 1. Identifying by smell. Genuine engine oil has a faint, pleasant fragrance, as it is generally composed of base oil and additives. Except for mineral oil on the market, other types of engine oils basically contain chemical additives, i.e., 0.6% aromatic hydrocarbons, whose odor intensity varies depending on the oil quality. If the engine oil has a pungent smell, it can be judged as counterfeit. 2. Analyzing the viscosity of the engine oil. Good engine oil is relatively thin to a certain extent and has no granular substances when rubbed by hand, while inferior engine oil may contain some granules. After all, counterfeit engine oil is mostly refined from waste oil, so it differs from the one-time formed product. 3. Judging the authenticity of engine oil by its packaging appearance. The methods that can be adopted are 'one touch, two scans, three picks': One touch: Feel whether there are embossed stripe sequins on the outer packaging; Two scans: Use a mobile phone to scan and compare the color ratio, angle, and distribution of the stripe sequins; Three picks: Pick out the sequins to complete the genuine product identification. Alternatively, official verification through a verification code can be used. 4. Judging by the sound of the engine. When counterfeit engine oil is exposed to high temperatures, it may become sticky. The higher the engine temperature, the stickier the oil becomes, and in severe cases, it may lead to the oil being burnt into sludge. The sound of an engine with genuine oil is relatively uniform without any noise, while counterfeit oil produces a more chaotic sound.

[ElijahMarie]

Having driven for over a decade, I always pay extra attention to identifying genuine vs. fake engine oil during oil changes. Fake oil often reveals flaws in its packaging at first glance: authentic packaging uses thick, sturdy materials with sharp, color-accurate printing, and labels include detailed specifications, production dates, and anti-counterfeiting QR codes for instant verification. Examining the oil itself, genuine engine oil has a uniform, transparent color free of impurities and a mild odor, while counterfeit oil tends to appear murky, with sediment or a pungent chemical smell. Pouring it out to test flow, real oil has moderate viscosity, flowing smoothly without interruption. Be wary if the oil container’s seal is loose or the price seems suspiciously low—purchasing from authorized 4S shops or brand-certified stores is the safest bet. Regular checks help prevent engine damage and costly repairs.

[SanEliana]

As a budget-conscious consumer, I always choose the right place to buy engine oil. I only go to large chain supermarkets or official online stores, such as brand flagship stores, where the product channels are legitimate and the risk of counterfeit goods is low. When unboxing, I check the product packaging: genuine boxes have neat edges and labels with laser anti-counterfeiting layers; counterfeit ones often have crooked packaging and blurry fonts. Don't be tempted by prices that are too low—a bottle of high-quality engine oil costing a few hundred yuan is normal, and unusually cheap ones are mostly fake. Also, check the seller's reviews; reputable stores have few negative ratings. After purchase, you can add a small amount to the engine and observe for a few days: genuine oil makes the engine run quietly and smoothly, while counterfeit oil can cause unusual noises or increased fuel consumption. Identifying issues early and replacing the oil can protect your beloved car.

[DeDaniel]

From a technical perspective, the key to identifying genuine engine oil lies in performance testing. First, assess viscosity by hand: genuine oil has uniform thickness and provides a lubricated feel when applied; counterfeit oil may be thin like water or thick like paste. Then, pour a small amount onto a paper towel to observe diffusion: genuine oil spreads evenly without layering, while counterfeit oil often shows oil stain separation or sedimentation. Pay attention to engine response during use: genuine oil maintains efficient lubrication, ensuring smooth engine operation and normal fuel consumption; counterfeit oil often causes overheating, increased noise, or abnormal wear. It's recommended to record mileage and performance after each oil change, and promptly send for professional workshop testing of oil composition if issues arise, to avoid health hazards.