What are the effects of overfilling engine oil?
4 Answers
The effects of overfilling engine oil are: 1. Intense agitation between engine components, leading to excessive engine load and power loss; 2. Oil splashing onto cylinder walls and entering the intake system through the crankcase ventilation system, causing oil burning issues. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Lift the vehicle with a jack, locate and loosen the drain plug to drain the oil; 2. Remove the oil filter and place a container beneath it; 3. Install a new oil filter and add fresh oil. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Reduce friction and high temperatures; 2. Cool down the engine; 3. Clean and remove contaminants; 4. Dampen vibrations; 5. Prevent rust and corrosion.
Once when I changed the engine oil for my car, I accidentally overfilled it a bit. As a result, while driving, the engine sounded like it was roaring loudly, and fuel consumption increased noticeably. I consulted a mechanic, who explained that too much oil causes the crankshaft to churn the oil at high speeds, creating foam that reduces lubrication and accelerates wear on internal components. Additionally, increased oil pressure might damage seals, leading to leaks, and prolonged overfilling can significantly shorten the engine's lifespan. I quickly drained some oil through the oil pan screw to restore normal levels. This experience taught me to carefully check the dipstick markings when adding oil, ensuring not to exceed the maximum level—especially in summer when temperatures rise quickly, making the effects more pronounced. Regular oil level checks can prevent small mistakes from turning into big problems.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I've witnessed the common consequences of overfilling engine oil: increased internal engine resistance, reduced power output during highway driving, sluggish acceleration and soaring fuel consumption; it also easily causes excessive crankcase pressure, squeezing out gaskets and creating oil leaks everywhere; worse still, foamy oil provides insufficient lubrication, leading to excessive wear on bearings and piston rings, with blue smoke emitting from the exhaust. I remember helping a neighbor fix their car once - noise and vibrations caused by excessive oil were resolved only after draining the surplus. My advice: strictly follow the manual's specified quantity when changing oil, don't cut corners by adding extra. Even a slight overfill can cause problems. Regular dipstick checks can save you major repair costs.
As a car DIY enthusiast, I've experienced the consequences of overfilling engine oil: the crankshaft churns the excess oil, creating air bubbles that reduce cooling and lubrication efficiency, leading to faster cylinder wall wear, louder engine noise, and higher fuel consumption. A simple solution is to use a wrench to loosen the oil pan drain plug and slowly drain the oil until it reaches the normal level, avoiding the expense of a professional shop. If the excess oil isn't addressed, prolonged pressure may damage seals, causing oil leaks or blue smoke from the exhaust pipe. Before adding oil, always check the dipstick when the engine is cold to ensure the level doesn't exceed the upper limit. When adding oil, it's better to start with less and top up later, developing this habit can protect the engine, extend its lifespan, and save money.
