Is engine oil supposed to be black? Well, the engine oil we see on TV ads looks the polar opposite. It’s reddish-golden! However, if we really go by what TV shows us, we’ll keep stirring far from the truth. Hence, in today’s article, we dig into this matter and find out what is the real color of engine oil.
Engine oil is a mixture of various hydrocarbons, oxidants, and additives that are tailor-made to lubricate the moving parts of a motor engine. It is this oil that makes sure that the internal working of the engine is smooth and effective. However, age does paralyze the oil. With time, the engine oil starts losing its properties, and hence, the appearance it once had.
So, as the oil gets older and used more, it changes its color. If the engine oil turns dark or black, you do not need to panic.
There is a good reason behind it. Read on!
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Does the Color of Engine Oil Matters
To answer this question simply, the color of the engine/motor oil does not have much significance. The color of your engine oil does not affect the efficiency of the engine. However, the color may be a symptom of your engine’s malfunctioning. Following are a few implications of engine oil’s changing shades:
- New/fresh oil has an amber/gold color
- If the oil gets dark (black or dark brown), it means:
- The oil contains environmental pollutants
- The engine is heated up
- The oil contains additives (and that is normal, because additives enhance the vehicle’s mileage)
Color of Fresh Engine Oil
The looks of a person can reveal his health. The looks of a cuisine can reveal its potential taste.
Similarly, the looks of your engine oil can at least reveal its age. You are spending your hard-earned money, so it is best if you spend it on fresh engine oil.
The color of fresh engine oil is amber. It is supposed to look clear and clean. Just like it does in the television ads!
Moreover, the color of the fresh oil is amber. It is supposed to look clear and clean.
Cream-Colored Engine Oil
If the oil looks light cream-ish or milky in texture, there can be a couple of reasons behind it. The oil may have condensed in winters or you’re not really driving your car. Another probable reason would be there has been a leak of coolants, and upon mixing with the engine oil, the color fades. This happens when there is a head gasket leakage. Another warning sign of leakage is that your engine might be blowing white smoke.
However, if there is no white smoke or coolant spill, it is the contaminants in the oil to blame.
Dark Engine Oil
Dark-colored oil (black or dark brown) can indicate multiple things. Change in color maybe because of the additives. If you notice charcoal black oil, it may be an indication to change the oil. As the oil gets older, it mixes with heavy metal shavings, fuel, and more pollutants. The oil becomes a mixture, which is chemically different from the original engine oil and the fuel both.
Such a mixture isn’t efficient and can heat up the engine to a dangerous level. If you notice a burning smell coming out from your engine, this may be the case. Do not ignore the engine oil’s texture in that case.
However, dark brown engine oil is nothing to worry about. This just means the oil has been on work for a while. You can always consult an expert in doubt, who’ll check the lubricant and replace it with fresh engine oil.
What Causes Engine Oil to Turn Black
Motor/engine oil is just a mineral oil at its core with over 78% oil in its making. However, that doesn’t cut it for a vehicle and we need more power!
So, we have to put additives in the mixture.
Additives are one of the major contributing factors in the color of your engine oil. Additives give the oil a darker hue.
How frequently does engine oil need to be changed? It depends on the maintenance your engine requires, and more importantly, how much does the engine work. Usually, an engine that consumes synthetic oil covers nearly 10,000 miles before it needs the engine oil to be changed.
However, if your trips involve dusty roads and higher temperatures, you may need to change the oil more often. In that case, you should also stay in contact with a professional. They can advise you on how to keep the wheels turning.
When Should You Change the Dark Engine Oil
Engine oil changes its color naturally from amber to dark with time. While this is natural and usually nothing to get worried about, certain other signs paired with a color difference may be worrisome.
For instance, the oil appears milky if it contains more than the required traces of water. When you pull out the dipstick, water droplets might be clinging at the end. In such a case, do not even think of starting the engine, instead, you should immediately eject the oil. You would need to clean the oil filter and oil pan. Only when it is completely clean should you pour the new oil and a new filter too.
The black engine oil may be an indication that it’s time for you to change it ASAP! It is a good practice to check the oil from time to time. If you observe lower coolant levels and heat in the car engine, you need to run to the mechanic and get the oil changed.
Engine Oil Colors That Indicate Warnings
- A creamy/frothy oil can be an indication of head gasket leakage. Moreover, if you notice white smoke appearing from the engine, change the oil ASAP!
- Dark and thick engine oil indicates the presence of pollutants and toxins. If you drive on dusty roads more often, your engine is exposed to danger. A darker hue, in this case, means it’s time for a replacement.
- Dark oil with milky consistency hints at water traces.
- The shade and odor change may also happen because of the presence of gasoline. It’s nothing to worry about since gasoline does mix with the oil inside the engine. However, if there is a burning odor to it, you should make a run to a nearby repair shop.
Myths About Engine Oil Color
Engine oil naturally gets darker with time. That is no sign of concern. However, most vehicle owners frown upon brown engine oil. They would rather have it disposed of. Not only is that unnecessary but it is also more expensive and environmentally careless.
Engine oils, especially synthetic ones, do not break down fast. What it means is that if we discard engine oil too often, it spells doom for the environment.
So, unless your engine oil exhibits a few other warning signs, do not be quick to discard it. We know that driving around with potentially leaking oil can put your life at risk.
However, before you get your hands all greased up trying to remove the oil, we recommend you go to a mechanic or auto-expert. He will be able to examine the ailment for you and remove the oil too shall there be any need for it.
Final Words – Is Engine Oil Supposed to be Black?
In simple words, NO, if you are buying fresh oil, but YES, if you have been using it for a while and there are no visible complaints, then, sure, it can be dark in appearance. Brown or light black is fine.
However, check the engine oil frequently. There may be warning signs. You do not need any experience. It is simple to tell if the engine oil looks bad. For instance, a milky frothy texture is never healthy for your engine oil. It also hints at coolants getting mixed with the oil.
If you are worried about the engine’s health, do consider getting it checked every few days. However, remember engine oil consumption and even its color depends on the manufacturing procedure. For instance, one company’s oil might get dark within 3,000 miles. It is also possible that some brand oils do not get dark even at 10,000 miles.
If the vehicle’s body starts getting heated up or you notice the bonnet emitting white glowy smoke, there is a problem. In case you’re uncertain, you can generally consult a mechanic. We hope that you have gained some useful knowledge!