What are the symptoms of using counterfeit engine oil?
2 Answers
Using counterfeit engine oil may lead to the following symptoms: 1. Increased wear: Rapid relative sliding occurs between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearing shells. 2. Engine overheating: Counterfeit oil has poor heat transfer capability, easily causing engine overheating, reduced lifespan, and rapid exceeding of water temperature limits. 3. Inability to clean the engine: Counterfeit oil has poor cleaning performance, resulting in visible dirt and grime buildup on the engine after prolonged use. 4. Increased emissions and rapid oil consumption: Engine oil forms a 'sealing ring' between the piston rings and cylinder walls, reducing gas leakage and maintaining adequate cylinder pressure. 5. Accelerated metal oxidation and severe rusting: Lubricating oil adheres to component surfaces, protecting them from water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. Counterfeit oil lacks this functionality, leading to accelerated oxidation and severe rusting. 6. Increased fuel consumption: Lubricating oil reduces the friction coefficient, thereby decreasing frictional resistance, saving energy, and minimizing wear. Using counterfeit oil can directly or indirectly cause higher fuel consumption.
After changing the engine oil in my car, I noticed the engine noise became significantly louder than before, with a rumbling sound during acceleration. The fuel consumption also inexplicably increased—previously, a full tank could last for 500 kilometers, but now it only gets around 450. On the highway, the temperature gauge shot up dangerously close to the warning line. After some research, I found out it was due to counterfeit engine oil—poor quality and insufficient lubrication led to increased friction and overheating. Long-term use of such oil accelerates internal engine wear, easily causing carbon buildup and cylinder scoring, and may even result in blue smoke from the exhaust. Now, I only go to branded chain stores for oil changes to avoid further issues. Keeping the car healthy saves both peace of mind and money.
