What are the symptoms of using counterfeit engine oil?
3 Answers
Using counterfeit engine oil can lead to the following symptoms: rapid evaporation of coolant in the engine radiator, unstable idle speed, increased noise levels that escalate with higher speeds, excessive engine oil consumption, reduced vehicle power, sluggish acceleration, parking vibration, cylinder scoring, and increased carbon deposits. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in a base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. It is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one function of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced by fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve piston ring sealing, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving components.
I used counterfeit engine oil before, and the consequences were truly frustrating. After starting the car, the engine noise was particularly loud, sounding like a squeaky metal grinding noise. The car also felt sluggish when driving, with delayed throttle response and occasional jerking. The counterfeit oil had poor lubrication, with an oil film as thin as paper, causing excessive friction between components. This quickly led to piston ring wear and cylinder wall scoring. Over time, fuel consumption skyrocketed, costing much more than usual, and black smoke would emit from the exhaust, making it impossible to pass emissions tests. The worst fear was engine overheating or even cylinder seizure, which could completely ruin the engine—requiring a replacement that would cost at least tens of thousands in repairs. That’s why I now carefully verify anti-counterfeit codes when buying engine oil. I’d rather spend more on genuine products than suffer huge losses from trying to save a little. During regular maintenance, I also ask the mechanic to check the oil quality.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I've encountered the mess of counterfeit engine oil at roadside repair shops. Common symptoms include engine overheating during operation and persistent buzzing noises while driving; insufficient lubrication leads to harsh metal-on-metal grinding inside, often resulting in burnt bearings and difficulty accelerating. Prolonged use causes fuel consumption to skyrocket, burning 20% more fuel per kilometer while emitting thick, polluting smoke. The safety risks are severe – sudden engine failure could strand you on highways, endangering your family. I've noticed counterfeit oil often has a pungent smell or impure color. Regularly monitoring oil quality is crucial – immediately discontinue use and change oil at any sign of abnormality. Using genuine oil long-term saves money and hassle, ensuring smoother operation and extended vehicle lifespan.
