How to Tell if Engine Oil Level is Increasing?
2 Answers
To determine if the engine oil level is increasing, follow these steps: First, open the hood, pull out the dipstick, and check the oil level. After some time, pull out the dipstick again to see if the oil level has changed. It's essential to perform this check when the engine is cold, as hot engine conditions can cause oil splashing, making the dipstick reading inaccurate. Wait at least 15 minutes after turning off the engine before checking the dipstick. A slight increase in oil level is generally not harmful and won't affect driving. However, if the oil level rises significantly, it can lead to reduced oil viscosity and performance, resulting in poor engine lubrication and accelerated wear of internal friction components.
Increased engine oil requires careful observation. Before starting the car in the morning, turn off the engine and wait for ten minutes. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean on a tissue, reinsert it, then check the oil level on the second pull. If the oil exceeds the upper limit mark and smells like gasoline, it's likely mixed with fuel. In summer, when using the air conditioner, check the oil cap—if there are water droplets or creamy white foam, coolant may have leaked into the oil. I experienced this once: cold starts sounded like a tractor, fuel consumption suddenly spiked, and a mechanic friend confirmed it was abnormal cylinder pressure due to increased oil. The repair cost nearly 3,000 yuan.
