4 reasons why engine oil quickly turns black even after a recent change
There are many reasons why car engine oil, even though it has just been checked and replaced, quickly turns black and degrades without most car users knowing.
If the engine is likened to the "heart" of each car, then the oil is the "blood" that helps the car to operate smoothly. However, during the process of using the car, many car owners, when checking the oil condition, wonder why the engine oil in the car that was recently replaced quickly turns color, even black.
In cars, engine oil is contained in the oil pan and is pumped to the engine to lubricate most of the engine components such as: camshaft, upper part of valve, piston, connecting rod, crankshaft... Only the combustion chamber area including spark plugs and fuel injectors cannot be penetrated by engine oil. When the engine is running, the combustion process of the air-fuel mixture will create a lot of soot, dirt... the additives in the engine oil will clean the surface of the parts and remain in the oil. After being used, the engine oil will fall back to the oil pan to continue to be reused until the oil quality decreases and needs to be replaced.
When engine oil turns black quickly even after a recent change, it indicates a problem with the engine or other components. Here are four reasons why engine oil turns black quickly even after a recent change:
Exhaust gas enters the oil sump
Normally, the exhaust gas emitted during the fuel combustion process of the engine contains a lot of dirt and dust. If the exhaust gas gets into the oil pan, it will cause the engine oil to easily turn black. However, the fact that the oil easily turns black indicates that there are problems with the engine parts of the vehicle.
Causes of exhaust gas entering the oil pan include worn engine seals, worn piston rings, and piston gaps caused by improper installation. When this happens, the vehicle should be taken to a service center or garage for inspection. After repair, choose a quality engine oil and replace it sufficiently. Vehicle owners should also perform regular maintenance to maintain engine performance.
Damaged oil filter
A damaged oil filter can also cause the oil to turn black quickly. This is why manufacturers recommend replacing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. The function of the oil filter is to filter out dirt, so if it is damaged, the oil can turn black quickly. Try checking the oil filter on your car. If the oil filter is damaged, replace it at the nearest service center and choose genuine filters to ensure quality.
There are dirty engine parts and details.
Oil has the function of lubricating engine parts. If the lubricated area is dirty, any existing dirt can be washed into the engine oil. The reason why engine parts get dirty is because they are not cleaned thoroughly during disassembly. Therefore, in case the car engine is damaged and has to be "disassembled" for repair, pay attention to clean the parts before reassembling. That way, the oil will not quickly turn black and will last longer.
Engine overheating
An overheated engine can also cause engine oil to turn black quickly. The heat circulation process in the engine naturally blackens the lubricating oil. When the car is started, the engine will reach its ideal operating temperature (usually 90°C - 104°C), heating the oil. Then, when the driver turns off the car, the engine and lubricating oil cool down naturally.
This process is repeated continuously throughout the life of the engine, thereby continuously circulating the lubricating oil. Some additives in the engine oil are prone to turning black when exposed to high temperatures. This is one of the reasons why engine oil changes color.
