What are the methods to identify genuine engine oil?
2 Answers
Methods to identify genuine engine oil are: 1. Check the bottle cap: Ensure the seal is intact without any damage to effectively avoid counterfeit oil in genuine bottles; 2. Observe the color: Carefully inspect if the oil is overly dark, cloudy, or contains impurities; 3. Smell the odor: Genuine qualified engine oil has no noticeable smell; 4. Feel the texture: Genuine qualified engine oil should feel slightly oily to the touch without any stringiness; 5. Verify the anti-counterfeiting marks. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Reduce friction and high temperatures; 2. Minimize gas leakage and prevent contamination from external pollutants; 3. Protect parts from contact with water, air, and acidic harmful gases; 4. Buffer the pressure rise in engine cylinders; 5. Clean dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts.
With over a decade of experience in oil changes, I've gathered some practical tips to identify fake engine oil: First, examine the packaging. Genuine products have clear, smooth printing, while counterfeit ones often show rough edges or incorrect colors. Never skip checking the anti-counterfeit label—scratch off the coating and enter the code on the brand's official website for verification. Next, smell and inspect the oil quality. Authentic oil has a mild, clean scent and appears light, transparent, and uniform when poured out. Fake oil often has a strange odor, contains particles, and tends to settle quickly. Always buy from authorized stores, verify channels via official websites or authorized dealers, and avoid cheap deals. Fake oil is harmful—its impurities accelerate engine wear, leading to power loss within days. Preventive measures save costly repairs. Keep a reliable mobile app for quick barcode scanning and learn from fellow car enthusiasts to avoid pitfalls.
