What are the effects of increased engine oil on a car?
4 Answers
Increased engine oil means that gasoline has mixed into the engine oil. When engine oil mixes with excessive unvaporized gasoline, its viscosity decreases, reducing its lubricating effect and leading to a decline in sealing performance and the entry of contaminants. Some emulsification phenomena are caused by the dilution of engine oil, which reduces sealing and allows incompatible substances like water to enter, subsequently causing severe engine wear. In modern direct-injection engine technology, a large amount of gasoline is injected during startup. Sometimes, due to excessive injection and incomplete combustion, the high pressure on the cylinder walls forces gasoline into the engine oil. Normally, gasoline would vaporize once the engine reaches operating temperature. However, with frequent cold starts or in cold northern climates, the engine oil temperature may not rise sufficiently, making it difficult for the gasoline to vaporize. This results in the continuous increase of engine oil.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I've encountered the issue of engine oil dilution. That time, I noticed the oil dipstick showed a higher oil level, and the car became noticeably sluggish when running, with louder engine noise and some white smoke. Upon investigation, I learned that increased engine oil is usually caused by coolant or gasoline mixing in, diluting the original lubricating properties. This leads to poor lubrication, increased engine friction, and accelerated component wear. Over time, it can cause bearing or piston ring damage, and even trigger knocking issues. The most troublesome part was the increased fuel consumption – I ended up spending an extra hundred bucks on gas that month. Now I've developed a habit of checking the oil dipstick every two weeks to maintain proper levels. Otherwise, a trip to the repair shop would mean major overhauls, costing more money and causing travel delays. Vehicle issues also compromise safety – an engine failure during night driving could be dangerous. That's why I believe regular inspections are crucial. I also pay attention to keeping engine temperatures from getting too high during drives and use genuine brand oil during changes to minimize such risks.
As someone who has done some research on cars, I've given a lot of thought to the issue of oil dilution. Imagine engine oil, which is originally a liquid that protects the engine, but if it becomes diluted—say, by mixing with water or fuel—its lubricating ability deteriorates. Increased friction inside the engine leads to soaring temperatures, which can easily damage the crankshaft bearings or cylinder walls. Over time, this results in reduced performance and higher fuel consumption. It's not just about affecting power output; it may also trigger the check engine light, making diagnostics time-consuming and labor-intensive. I recommend regularly checking the oil dipstick while driving to ensure the oil level is within the normal range. A simple tool can help you avoid major trouble—don’t wait until the car breaks down to regret it. Prevention is better than cure. When changing the oil, choose reputable brands to avoid problems caused by inferior products. With better maintenance like this, your car can last several more years.
As an average car owner who mainly drives kids to school, finding increased engine oil level is really annoying. After one incident of overfilled oil, my car accelerated sluggishly with noticeably higher fuel consumption, costing me dozens more per month. The mechanic warned me diluted oil damages engine components, increases wear risks, and prolonged neglect may lead to costly engine replacement. Now I've developed a habit of checking the dipstick during every refueling – staying within normal range gives me peace of mind. Early detection saves major repair expenses.
