What are the common misconceptions we have about engine oil?

Engine oil is like the blood of an engine, flowing to lubricate every component. Using and selecting the right oil can effectively protect the engine and extend its service life.

If we have incorrect knowledge or usage of engine oil, it can lead to a series of problems and malfunctions in the engine, not only increasing fuel consumption but also causing engine wear and other issues.

So what are some common misconceptions we have about engine oil?

1. The more engine oil, the better

More engine oil is not always better; the amount should be kept within a certain range, ideally between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Excessive oil can enter the combustion chamber, participate in combustion, and form carbon deposits. Too much carbon buildup can also increase vehicle fuel consumption and lead to a series of problems.

2. Blindly choosing imported high-end engine oil

Choosing engine oil is like our daily meals—what suits your taste is better, not necessarily that every meal must be a feast to be good for your health. High-end imported engine oils generally have higher viscosity. For ordinary household cars, high-viscosity oil is not suitable; not only does it fail to provide lubrication, but it can also cause engine wear and reduce the engine's lifespan.

3. Does dark engine oil mean it's time for an oil change?

Engine oil turning black does not mean it has deteriorated, nor is it a criterion for the oil to be unusable. The darkening occurs because the detergents added to the oil gradually turn it black as they clean the engine.

4. Frequently topping up engine oil without performing a replacement.

It's a good habit to regularly check and inspect the engine oil. If you find the oil level below the lower mark on the dipstick, it needs to be topped up. However, simply adding enough oil isn't the solution—engine oil has its own service cycle, and it needs to be replaced once it reaches the end of its lifespan.

During use, engine oil oxidizes, evaporates, and its performance gradually declines, losing its lubricating effect. Simply replenishing the fluid cannot compensate for the loss of oil performance.

Moreover, if the vehicle does not exhibit oil burning, mixing old and new oil is not recommended. It is entirely feasible to replace the oil once the maintenance cycle is reached. This is because the old oil already has a high content of oxides, and adding new oil can accelerate oxidation, thereby shortening the lifespan of the new oil. Additionally, mixed lubricants inherently provide poorer lubrication, which can cause certain wear and tear on the engine.