What Color of Engine Oil Indicates It Needs to Be Changed?
1 Answers
Normal new engine oil is clean and free of impurities. You can pull out the dipstick and check the color on a piece of paper to see if it has turned black or contains excessive impurities to determine whether it needs to be changed. If the oil has changed from black to a milky white or other unusual color, it should be replaced immediately, as such oil has completely lost its lubrication and cleaning capabilities. Engine oil inherently has a cleaning function and can dissolve some carbon deposits generated inside the engine, so it will naturally darken after some use. This darkening alone does not necessarily mean it needs to be changed; oil changes should follow the recommended maintenance intervals and mileage. Engine oil, or motor lubricant, serves multiple functions including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption.