Why engine oil quickly darkens: answering a popular question
Content
For many owners of different car brands, it is a mystery why the oil in the engine quickly darkens. There are several reasons that lead to this result. We will figure out what caused the rapid darkening of the oil, and then we will find out whether it is dangerous for the car or not.
Reasons for the rapid darkening of engine oil
During the operation of the engine, the oil gradually changes its color and becomes darker, and sometimes black. This frightens and causes concern for many. In fact, oil blackening is a natural process. Sometimes it happens faster, sometimes slower. But why is it happening at all? Due to the following reasons:
- there is little alkaline additive in the lubricant;
- the piston group is worn out, due to which a large amount of combustion products and fuel oxidation gets into the lubricant;
- the motor overheats, which leads to boiling of the oil. As a result, the additives are destroyed and the lubricant darkens;
- poor quality lubricant. This usually happens when it is bought in spontaneous markets or from suspicious sellers;
- on the contrary, a high-quality lubricant is used, which quickly and thoroughly flushes the contaminated engine.
The fact is that while the engine is running, the oil is constantly moving, while it collects carbon deposits, oxides, and other debris and brings it to the crankcase. This cleansing ability of the oil is due to the presence of various additives in it. Depending on the brand of the lubricant used, the amount of additives in it will be different, and each of them will fulfill its role:
- reduced friction;
- increased viscosity;
- control of temperature properties and others.
One of the additives used in lubricants is alkaline. It allows you to remove chemicals that have entered the engine, reduces the likelihood of precipitation, removes the formed carbon deposits and dirt. If there is little alkali in the oil used, then the engine will wear out faster, and a large amount of soot and various deposits will form faster.
Video: reasons for the rapid darkening of engine oil
What is the danger of darkened oil
Some drivers believe: if the lubricant has darkened, then it has used up its resource and it is necessary to replace it. However, not everything is so simple here.
If you really used cheap, low-quality oil for some reason, then it is better to replace it when it darkens. The use of such a lubricant will quickly clog the engine with dirt, soot and other deposits. As a result, its power will decrease and fuel consumption will increase. If you use such oil for a long time, then the motor can become very dirty and you will have to overhaul it, and this will entail serious costs of both time and money.
On the other hand, a high-quality oil that quickly darkens may indicate a poor engine condition and its severe contamination. Therefore, first of all, you need to rely not only on the color of the lubricant, but also on the engine resource, the age of the car, the frequency and quality of car care, driving conditions, and the quality of gasoline.
Preventive measures to prevent rapid oil darkening
During engine operation, even the highest quality and most expensive oil will gradually darken. To avoid its rapid darkening and contamination, you must adhere to the following rules:
- use only high-quality oil and buy it only in specialized stores and from trusted sellers;
- for vehicles with high mileage, do not use a low alkalinity lubricant;
- monitor the condition of the engine and, if necessary, carry out its repairs on time. It is engine malfunctions that most often cause rapid contamination of the lubricating fluid;
- flush the engine when changing the oil. Many owners ignore this step. You can perform this procedure both at the service station and on your own.
Features of engine flushing:
- Drain all used oil into a suitable container through the drain hole. This must be done on a warm engine.
Draining black consumable from the engine - Pour in flushing fluid. It must be taken in the same amount as the volume of the drained lubricant.Flushing oil is poured into the engine
- Drive about 20-50 km.
- Discard the flushing liquid. Its glossy black color will indicate a strong contamination of the motor. For a better result, you can repeat the rinsing.
- Pour in new oil.
Some craftsmen wash the engine with kerosene or diesel fuel. Although they also help clean the motor, they have poor lubricating properties as opposed to flushing fluid. Such amateur performance can lead to failure of the motor, so it is better not to risk it.
Video: how to flush the engine
Answering the question of whether the black oil in the engine is "good" or, on the contrary, "evil", we can say that it is rather good. A gradually darkening lubricant indicates that the motor is well washed. But if it darkens very quickly, then you should pay attention to the condition of the engine.
