Oil changes are important maintenance services for your car that have to be done pretty frequently — every 3,000 to 7,500 miles — to keep your engine running smoothly. But how can you tell if the oil in your car needs to be changed sooner? Checking your oil at home is easy, and its color can tell you a lot.
How to Check Your Engine Oil at Home
Start by parking your car somewhere flat, then wait at least 10 minutes for the engine to cool. During this time, you can check your vehicle’s owners manual to find out where the dipstick is stored, or just poke around under the hood when it’s cool enough — look for a red or orange pull tab. Wipe the dipstick clean, then insert it into the tube for a few seconds before removing. The oil on the stick will show you how much you have, as well as let you judge the color and consistency — make sure you have good lighting. When you are satisfied, clean off the dipstick again and put it away.
What Color Should Your Engine Oil Be?
Pale Golden Yellow to Dark Brown
When new oil is put in your vehicle, it will be a light yellow, sometimes almost clear. As the oil works in your engine to mitigate heat, lubricate moving parts, and collect contaminants, this light color will darken and thicken. This is not a bad thing; in fact, it means that your oil is working. So anywhere on the color scale from yellow to dark brown is perfectly normal, especially if the consistency is still rather smooth.
Black
If your oil is no longer brown, but fully black, it is possibly pushing past its ability to work. The color has become so dark because it has so many particulates and contaminants in it, making it thick, sludgy, and unable to lubricate the engine effectively. It is time for an oil change.
Unexpected Colors – Red, Green, Milky, or Sparkly
If your dipstick comes out with red oil, your first step is to thoroughly clean it, or grab a second dipstick, and try again. If the dipstick was in humid or cool environments (something we’re familiar with in Alaska), it may have rusted, giving the oil a red hue. However, if the oil is still read on a clean draw, there may be transmission fluid in there, which should be handled by a professional.
Green oil may also be okay, in certain situations. Certain high performance oils use blue-green dyes to help find leaks. However, if you are not using those oils, then a green reading likely means coolant contamination, and also should be checked out by a certified auto tech.
If your oil appears metallic or sparkly, it is likely caused by metal particles from internal damage, which can be extremely dangerous. Do not drive this vehicle. Have a professional come to you.
Milky oil, or oil with a frothy appearance is caused by moisture problems or water contamination. This is most often caused by leaky head gaskets, but should be diagnosed by certified auto technicians.
Oil Care, Checks, and Changes at Pearson Auto
Engine oil can end up a wide range of colors, though if you’re lucky, it’s unlikely you’ll see anything outside of the yellow to dark brown range. But, if you do find any color you’re unsure about, you’re ready for your next oil change, or you have any questions, the ASE-certified automotive technicians at Pearson Auto are here for you.