What color is the oil supposed to be in a car to be considered healthy?

Question

Mine is a dark brown.

Answer 1

Car, mileage and how often the oil has previously been changed all have effects, along with driving habits. Oil of a dark brown could be ok if the car is older or has higher miles as build-up will change the color of the oil very quickly after a change - sludge builds up and there is always a bit of dirty oil that doesn't drain out unless you tear apart the engine every time you change the oil. Ideally it should be a light brown/tan color or almost clear on the dipstick. There are many reasons that could have an effect. Good ways to tell if it's time for an oil change: oil darker than brown, more than 2500-3000 miles since the last change, extreme temperatures, anything in the oil (most things would require further repairs too extensive to go into here) and lastly, harsh driving habits. Going over 3000 miles isn't going to instantly destroy your engine. I know someone who drove a car 45,000 miles on the same oil before the engine gave up, but the same engine could have probably gone for 5 times that distance. I'd say if you are in the US where an oil change is $15-20, go for it. If not, and it's going to cost $70-90 in Europe, then it's up to you. Oil is the blood of the engine, and keeping it fresh is like eating healthily - a good plan.

Answer 2

There are two ways to "test" it, one is the colour, dark brown may be "ok" New oil is usually an amber colour but it is clear.
If your oil is dark brown, spread a bit on your fingers, if it is still dark when spread thin on your fingers, then it is time to replace it (don't forget to change the filter also.

Answer 3

It is pretty tough to go by colour. Oil can darken in a few days of driving, but that doesn't mean it is worn out. 3 to 5 thousand miles and the oil needs changing, unless you drive through a dust storm, in which case you should probably just change it, or you do heavy driving, such as towing a trailer, in which case you should shorten your change interval.

Answer 4

no it doesnt rely in simple terms verify u rub a number of the previous oil around the O-ring or that's going to be incredibly difficult to get off. And once you initiate the automobile you will ought to function a splash greater oil as quickly as the filter out does replenish.

Answer 5

I always use a milege rule of about 3-5000 miles... I like to see my oil about the color of a medium strong cup of tea,,, If it is closer to real strong coffee,, it needs changed

Answer 6

dark brown is usually good..... but it depends on the type of oil and additives, the only way to know is to know how many miles is on an oilchange. it can also go bad with age.

Answer 7

Clean oil has a light "honey" look to it. It veries from brand to brand, but they all are a "honey" colour, if its black, change it asap.

Answer 8

time to change it,it's suppose to be kind of light colored