What are the effects of increased engine oil on a car?
2 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.
