What phenomena can be caused by excessive engine oil?
2 Answers
Excessive engine oil can affect the sensitivity of the engine's sensors and also impact the engine's power performance. Engine oil, motor oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve the sealing of piston rings, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.
I once overfilled the engine oil, and the consequences were serious. After overfilling, the engine struggled to start, made a humming noise, and felt sluggish. The main issue is that excessive oil can hinder piston movement, causing a sharp increase in internal engine pressure. Over time, this may lead to oil leaks from seals or gaskets, leaving oil stains on the ground. Additionally, too much oil can be whipped into foam, drastically reducing lubrication effectiveness. Critical components like the crankshaft and connecting rods are prone to overheating and wear, shortening the engine's lifespan. If oil enters the combustion chamber, the exhaust emits blue smoke and produces an unpleasant odor. Fuel consumption also skyrockets—what was normally 8 liters per 100 km suddenly exceeds 10 liters. I recommend checking the dipstick level during every oil change and not exceeding the upper limit. After adding oil, let the engine warm up for a few minutes and check again. With proper long-term maintenance, the car will run smoothly and save you money.
