What are the effects of overfilling engine oil and how to solve it?
4 Answers
Overfilling engine oil can cause the following effects: 1. Reduced vehicle power; 2. Increased fuel consumption; 3. Severe damage to the three-way catalytic converter; 4. Accelerated aging of vehicle components. The solution for overfilled engine oil is: Pull out the engine oil dipstick, which has MIN and MAX markings indicating the lower and upper limits of oil level. Add oil if the level is below the MIN mark, but do not add if it's above the MAX mark - instead, remove the excess oil. Engine oil is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, mainly containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers.
Adding too much engine oil is no small matter. As a mechanic with over a decade of experience, I've witnessed this firsthand. Excessive oil increases internal engine pressure, creates foam, and reduces lubrication effectiveness. Over time, it can damage the crankcase, oil seals, and even lead to engine overheating and burnout. The most immediate effects are increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and abnormally loud engine noise during acceleration. The solution is crucial: First, never operate on a hot engine. Wait until it cools down, then check the oil level with the dipstick. If the level exceeds the upper limit, use an oil suction tube or specialized extraction tool to remove the excess, or drive to a professional repair shop for assistance. Remember not to be greedy when adding oil—keep it between the "Min" and "Max" marks on the dipstick. Develop the habit of checking the oil level every 5,000 kilometers to avoid repeating such issues, which can significantly extend your engine's lifespan.
I'm an average office worker who often changes my own oil to save money. Once, I accidentally overfilled it. After driving, I noticed the car felt sluggish, struggled during acceleration, and burned more fuel than usual. A friend explained that excess oil can cause foaming, reducing lubrication and potentially damaging bearings or seals. The solution I tried right away: After parking for half an hour, I bought a manual oil extractor online and spent some time removing the excess oil until the level was correct. The key lesson: Don't rush when adding oil—check the dipstick multiple times. Now, I always double-check the oil level after maintenance for safety and cost savings. By the way, overfilled oil can also contaminate the engine and affect overall performance, so it's best to address it early.
I just got my driver's license not long ago, and I'm a bit confused about these mechanical issues. But the mechanic told me that overfilling the engine oil can cause trouble, such as accelerated engine wear or difficulty starting, and it might even damage parts in the long run. The solution isn't complicated: if you find the oil level is too high, park the car and let it cool down, then go to a repair shop to have some oil drained. You can also do it at home with simple tools. The key is not to delay, otherwise, fuel consumption will increase, and the car might feel sluggish. I recommend beginners like me to learn how to check the dipstick by watching YouTube videos. Simple daily maintenance can save a lot of money.
