- Extra Engine Oil in Car: Effects, Causes, and How to Fix It
- What is the Purpose of Engine Oil?
- What Happens if You Put Too Much Oil in Your Car?
- 1. Increased Oil Pressure
- 2. Oil Foaming
- 3. Spark Plug Fouling
- 4. Catalytic Converter Damage
- 5. Increased Oil Consumption
- Causes of Excess Engine Oil
- How to Fix Excess Engine Oil
- 1. Check the Oil Level
- 2. Drain Excess Oil
- 3. Replace the Oil Filter
- 4. Reset the Oil Pressure Sending Unit
- Preventing Excess Engine Oil
- Conclusion
Extra Engine Oil in Car: Effects, Causes, and How to Fix It
What is the Purpose of Engine Oil?
Engine oil is a vital fluid that plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of a car engine. It serves several essential purposes, including:
* Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction and wear
* Cooling engine components by absorbing heat
* Removing contaminants and sludge from the engine
* Protecting against corrosion and rust
What Happens if You Put Too Much Oil in Your Car?
While engine oil is essential, having too much of it can be detrimental to your vehicle. Overfilling the engine with oil can lead to a range of problems, including:
1. Increased Oil Pressure
Excess oil can lead to higher oil pressure, which can put strain on the oil pump, gaskets, and seals. This increased pressure can cause leaks and even blowouts, resulting in a loss of oil and potential engine damage.
2. Oil Foaming
When the oil level is too high, the crankshaft can whip up the excess oil, creating foam. Foamed oil loses its lubricating properties and can lead to increased wear and tear on engine components.
3. Spark Plug Fouling
Too much oil can splash onto the spark plugs, fouling them and hindering their ability to ignite the air-fuel mixture. This can cause misfiring, rough idling, and reduced engine performance.
4. Catalytic Converter Damage
Unburned oil can enter the exhaust system and reach the catalytic converter. This can clog the catalytic converter, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing engine damage.
5. Increased Oil Consumption
An overfilled engine may burn more oil than necessary, leading to premature oil degradation and increased oil consumption.
Causes of Excess Engine Oil
There are several reasons why an engine may have too much oil, including:
* Accidental overfilling during an oil change
* Using a larger oil filter than specified
* Incorrectly reading the oil dipstick
* Adding oil between oil changes without checking the level first
* A malfunctioning oil pressure sending unit or gauge
How to Fix Excess Engine Oil
If you suspect your car has too much oil, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Check the Oil Level
First, recheck the oil level with the dipstick to confirm that it’s indeed overfilled. Remember to wipe the dipstick clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to get an accurate reading.
2. Drain Excess Oil
If the oil level is confirmed to be high, you’ll need to drain the excess oil. You can do this using one of the following methods:
* **Oil drain plug:** Locate the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. Place an oil pan under the plug and loosen it to drain the oil.
* **Oil extraction pump:** Insert the pump’s tube into the oil dipstick tube and pump out the excess oil.
3. Replace the Oil Filter
If the excess oil was caused by using a larger oil filter, you’ll need to replace it with the correct size filter.
4. Reset the Oil Pressure Sending Unit
If the issue was caused by a malfunctioning oil pressure sending unit or gauge, you may need to reset the unit or replace the gauge. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for guidance.
Preventing Excess Engine Oil
To avoid overfilling your engine with oil in the future, follow these tips:
* Read the oil dipstick carefully and check the oil level on a flat surface.
* Use the recommended oil type and capacity specified in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
* Check the oil level regularly, especially after adding oil or changing the oil filter.
* If you’re not confident in performing an oil change yourself, have it done by a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
Extra engine oil can have detrimental effects on your car’s performance and longevity. If you suspect your vehicle has too much oil, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly by draining the excess oil and correcting any underlying causes. By following the steps outlined above and implementing preventative measures, you can ensure that your engine receives the optimal amount of oil it needs to operate efficiently and reliably.
