Oil Testing: What is My Oil Telling Me?

My career as an automotive improvement expert began when I modified my first car. Since then, as a car enthusiast and published author, my obsession with the automobile has led me to enhance tons of vehicles both inside and out. That’s why I’m thrilled to be a part of a brand new series designed to help keep your car looking great and your engine running like new! I’m Chris Duke, and welcome to eHow’s Auto Center brought to you by Mobil1! Hey Chris, I’m checking all the fluids in my car and am about to check the oil. Is there anything I should be on the lookout for to make sure my oil is performing properly? Got any tips, big guy? Yes John! Today on Auto Center we are going to take an in depth look at your vehicle's motor oil. It is the life blood of your engine, and knowing how to check the condition of your oil is very important! Being able to see possible early warning signs can help you head potential problems off at the pass, saving you a lot of money in engine repairs. It can also help you determine what, if anything, is wrong with your engine. There are several different things to keep an eye out for when checking the condition of your oil. I’ve broken it down into a simple, easy to follow four step process. You can do this every time you check your oil level and make it a routine habit. Here’s what you’re going to need to get this done: Some paper towels, mechanics gloves, and either a 3x5 index card or some old white business cards you have laying around. Now that you have your materials ready, check your oil like you would normally. Once you’ve checked the oil level it’s time to start your new routine. The first step is to smell your oil, yep--you heard me right--smell it. It should smell like, well… oil. Oil that has broken down or lost its viscosity will smell burnt or sooty, like a campfire or fireplace that has just been put out. The second step is to take the dipstick and apply several drops of oil to the index card or business card. Let it soak a bit while you put the dipstick back. Now look at the oil on the card. Make sure it isn’t a dark black or seem sticky or clumpy. Those are signs that your oil is very worn and could possibly lead to further engine damage. For the third step, take a close look at the color. Does the oil look milky or like oil and vinegar dressing with tiny droplets? Does it appear to have particles in it? These are signs of possible water or coolant in your oil or metallic shavings, which is an immediate sign of engine trouble. Your oil should be a caramel color and still somewhat transparent. And finally, the fourth and final step. Now you’re going to have to get your hands dirty for this one. Remove the mechanics gloves and put some oil between your thumb and forefinger. It should feel, well, like oil… slippery and smooth. If it feels rough, or chunky or gummy then you know it needs to be taken care of right away. If it's time to change your oil, be sure to refer to our video on how to change your oil for the proper methods and tools to use! These four basic tests can tell you loads of information about what’s going on inside your engine, and help spot any potential problems that might be looming in the future. It only takes a minute, and can be the difference between and oil change and an engine replacement. Thanks for the question John! I hope this simple routine helps you get a lot more life out of your vehicle. For eHow’s Auto Center, I’m Chris Duke. Here’s to helping keep your car running like new!