How to Identify Genuine vs. Fake Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Methods to identify genuine vs. fake engine oil: 1. Pour the oil into a transparent plastic cup. Genuine oil appears deep red in color, with a rich and mellow texture, a faint fragrance, and relatively slow flow. Fake oil appears light red, has a thinner consistency, and flows almost as quickly as gasoline. 2. Wet the anti-counterfeit label with water to check if the text becomes blurry. Genuine oil labels remain clear, while fake ones become blurry. Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. Engine oil consists of two main components: base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary constituent of lubricants, determining their fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the shortcomings of the base oil, imparting new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricants.
I've been driving an old car for over a decade and have developed some practical tips to identify genuine engine oil. First, examine the packaging: authentic oil has neatly printed labels without spelling errors, with clear anti-counterfeit barcodes that can be verified via mobile apps. Next, smell it - genuine oil is odorless while fake ones emit a pungent chemical smell that causes headaches. Rub a drop between your fingers; real oil feels smooth and non-sticky, whereas counterfeit oil may be overly thin (flowing too quickly) or unnaturally viscous. I frequently conduct viscosity tests by pouring oil on an inclined surface - genuine oil flows slowly and uniformly, while fake oil separates quickly or flows irregularly. Never chase cheap deals; always purchase from authorized 4S stores or dealerships. Fake oil accelerates engine wear, increases abnormal noises, and causes discoloration during oil changes (dull appearance indicates suspicion). Develop regular maintenance habits to protect your vehicle and save money long-term.