Why Are Some Engine Oils Red?
2 Answers
Engine oils come in many colors, including red, green, colorless, golden yellow, and blue. Generally, red and green are less common, while blue, colorless, and golden yellow oils are more prevalent in the market. Related information is as follows: 1. The quality of engine oil has no relation to its color. Ordinary car owners primarily judge oil quality based on the specifications and grades marked on the oil container. Additionally, the type of oil to add depends on the vehicle's quality—not everything expensive is necessary. 2. If you usually drive a budget car, simply follow the oil specifications and grades recommended in the car’s maintenance manual. However, if your car has strong performance and modifications like intake and exhaust pipes that affect the engine's power system, you may consider switching to a higher-grade oil.
I often drive out for fun and notice that some engine oils turn red, mainly due to the addition of special dyes. Manufacturers add dyes to differentiate oil types—for example, full synthetic oil uses red, while conventional mineral oil is dark brown, making it easier for us car owners to identify and inspect. The color also helps a lot; when there's an engine oil leak, red stains are super noticeable and can be spotted without tools. When choosing engine oil, I always remind everyone not to focus too much on the color—it's not a performance indicator; additives are the key. Color choices also follow brand trends, like some imported brands preferring red to catch the eye. When I change my oil, red oil simplifies visual inspection, but ensuring the oil quality is good is what really matters.
