What are the consequences of using the wrong engine oil in a car?
4 Answers
The consequences of using the wrong engine oil in a car are: 1. It can cause chemical reactions, reducing lubrication effectiveness; 2. It can produce acid-base compounds that accelerate corrosion of engine components; 3. It can degrade the sealing performance of piston rods or piston rings, leading to discoloration or damage; 4. The engine is more prone to malfunctions, accelerating sludge buildup in the oil; 5. Abnormal smoke from the exhaust pipe and severe wear of pistons and cylinder liners. Engine oil, also known as motor lubricant, consists of base oil and additives. It serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide cushioning and shock absorption for the engine.
I've seen many cases of using the wrong engine oil, and the consequences can be quite severe. If your car requires low-viscosity synthetic oil but you mistakenly use high-viscosity conventional oil, the engine will suffer from insufficient lubrication, leading to increased friction between metal components. I once encountered a vehicle that developed abnormal noise and oil pump failure due to incorrect oil pressure, ultimately requiring a major engine overhaul. Conversely, oil that's too thin may cause oil film rupture, accelerating piston and ring wear while significantly increasing fuel consumption. Prolonged use can also lead to excessive carbon buildup, failed emissions standards, or even roadside breakdowns. The safest approach is to stop driving immediately and replace the oil with the correct specification as per the manual to prevent greater damage and risks. Don't underestimate this mistake—it can destroy an engine.
If the wrong engine oil is added, it must be addressed immediately. When I detect impaired engine lubrication, I promptly warn the owner: shut off the engine immediately and do not attempt to restart, as residual oil may contaminate the system. Arrange for professional flushing and oil filter replacement as soon as possible to restore the correct viscosity. Otherwise, the problem will worsen, potentially causing accelerated wear on bearings or piston rings, leading to soaring repair costs. Prevention is simple—always check the vehicle manual to confirm the specified oil type before refilling. For instance, many modern vehicles require synthetic oil; using conventional oil instead can compromise performance and service life. Protecting your engine ensures safe and cost-effective driving.
Once I was in a hurry to add engine oil and chose the wrong viscosity type. After driving, the car lacked power and fuel consumption increased significantly. After a few days, the engine noise became abnormal. During repairs, it was found that some parts had slight wear, costing nearly a thousand dollars to fix. The lesson was profound: always check the label and the owner's manual when adding oil, don't rely on experience to choose randomly. Such small negligence can lead to performance degradation and high costs.
