Why do metal residues appear in your car's engine oil?

If you notice metal residues in the oil, it is strongly recommended that you change the oil at the recommended time. Old oil or lack of oil can lead to rapid wear of metals.

The lubricating oil in an engine has several functions, all of which are important. This fluid ensures that all metal parts run smoothly and that there is no friction that can damage engine parts.

If you find yourself doing an oil change and you see metal flakes in the drain pan, that's a sign that something is wrong. Pay special attention, as metal residues can often be quite thin, appear more lustrous, and are not given due importance.

What does the presence of metal chips in oil mean?

Metal in engine oil is often a sign of a failing engine and you never want to see it. Sometimes this means that . In this case, your engine oil is no longer doing its proper job of protecting your engine.

If you are using the wrong oil, or if the engine runs out of oil at some point, this can also be the cause of excess metal particles in the oil.

How serious is this problem?

This doesn't necessarily mean you should replace the motor, but it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. If, after finding scrap metal, you notice ticking or rattling along with additional wear and tear, start saving money; may be close to needing an engine rebuild.

Some new engines will have a slight sheen during or after the break-in period. This can be completely normal and depends on both the engine manufacturer and the specific engine's break-in process.

If your engine is in good condition, has been broken in, and you follow your vehicle's recommended service interval, you should never see metal residue in the oil.

Does the oil filter trap metal debris?

Oil filters are especially good at trapping small metal particles and debris that are too small to be seen.

The ability of an oil filter to trap contaminants decreases over time. That's why you should change your filter

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