Have you ever thought of checking what all that grime and grease says about your car’s engine oil? It may be surprising for you, but every vehicle communicates through its engine oil. Like many others, you may have also overlooked that this golden fluid provides the information on the health of your engine way before the warning sign flashes on your dashboard.
From colour and smell to texture and sound, engine oil effortlessly highlights what is going on in your vehicle. This blog will help you understand how to read the subtle science delivered by your vehicle. After all, learning the secret language of engine oil is the top priority for all.
Engine Oil Clues and What They Reveal About Your Vehicle
Beyond duplicating the moving parts of your car or motorcycle, engine oil tells different stories about your engine. Here are a few ways in which it tries to talk to you:
● The Colour of the Oil
The easiest way to recognise the health of your engine oil colour, which can save you from potential damage. The new oil is clear amber or honey gold, and over time, when it collects debris and chemical compounds, the colour changes.
Light brown says the oil is fresh and healthy. Dark brown or black means it is time for a change. Milky highlights that the coolant is contaminated from a blown gasket. The foamy colour signals water contamination or compromised lubrication.
● The Texture of the Oil
After colour, the texture of the engine oil is another important factor that highlights the performance of your vehicle and its engine. Wondering how to check the texture? Pour a drop of engine oil on your fingers and rub it to understand the quality.
A smooth and slippery oil that glides between the fingers is a blessing. Gritty oil could be due to metal particles, carbon deposits, or dirt, indicating a red flag. The thick and sludgy texture is a result of a delay in the oil change.
● The Smell of the Oil
One fun fact? In the case of engine oil, your nose knows more than your mind. Thanks to the smell of the oil, it provides powerful clues about the health of the engine. Just take a few drops of engine oil onto your fingers and smell them.
No smell? A fresh or mildly used oil does not emit any odour. If you experience a burnt smell, it could be because of overheating or a breakdown. A sweet smell is a sign of a leaking head gasket or faulty injectors.
● The Level of the Oil
The dipstick test easily tells you how your engine will perform and whether it needs a change. You should park your car on the ground level, turn off the engine, and allow the oil to cool down. Insert the dipstick and check the level and the colour of the oil.
If the oil is below the mark, it highlights a leak or overconsumption. Above the mark means a decrease in lubrication. Thick or dark signals a change. Make this test a monthly routine for safe and happy journeys.
● The Warnings on the Dashboard
When the dashboard glows any light, it is your vehicle screaming for attention. And when light comes on, instantly take action to protect your engine.
The oil pressure light is an indication of low oil pressure, not low oil level. The adequate amount of pressure is important for the oil to circulate evenly and keep the path lubricated. An engine light with an oil warning highlights a failure in the oil pump or severe damage. Noticing a flashing light? Stop immediately, as driving with no oil pressure can completely damage your engine in no time.
In a Nutshell
Engine oil may seem like any other component of the vehicle, but it is the true heart and soul of your engine. 10w30 fully synthetic engine oil or 5w20 convention oil? Make a habit to identify the subtle changes, such as texture, noises, colour, smell, and level; it can reverse the problem before they turn into a serious damage.
So, next time you lift the hood of your car, pay a little attention to these hidden signs. Remember, your vehicle will always tell you what it needs.
