Too much oil in engine: it may not sound serious, but it can have major consequences for the health of your engine. Many motorists think that a little extra oil won't hurt. Yet the opposite is true. Too much oil causes overpressure, foaming and can even damage gaskets and the catalytic converter. In this blog, we explain why this happens and what you can do about it.
If the oil level exceeds the "max" mark, the crankshaft tends to touch the oil while turning. This creates foam, which causes air bubbles in the lubrication system. Oil with air in it does not lubricate as well and increases the likelihood of metal-to-metal contact. In addition, the pressure in the crankcase builds up, which can cause leaks.
Common signs are smoke from the exhaust, an illuminated engine malfunction light, oil leakage around gaskets or an irregular engine sound. If you hear a strange smell or a plopping sound shortly after refilling, check the oil level immediately.
Make sure your engine is cold and on level ground. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in and pull it out again. The oil level should be between "min" and "max. Is it well above it? Then you've added too much.
If the level is only slightly too high, it won't hurt. But is it really above the "max," then you need to drain excess oil. This can be done through the sump plug under the car or with a special oil-suction pump through the dipstick tube. Don't have that in-house? Have it done at a garage to avoid damage.
Yes, especially on longer trips. The higher pressure can damage seals and gaskets. It also runs the risk of catalytic converter damage, as excess oil can enter the exhaust. Therefore, it is important to take immediate action.
Always add oil in small increments and check in between. It's tempting to fill a little more "just to be sure," but that can be so counterproductive. Always use a funnel to work accurately and use the same oil that is already in your engine.
Unsure about what oil you need and how much your car consumes? At solution-oil.com you will find a wide selection of quality oils. Our Premium Performance 5W30 is tailored to the specifications of many modern engines. Also through the store page and our info page you can learn more about correct oil consumption. Also see where we are located in Weert.
1. How much too much oil is really harmful?
If the level is more than 1 cm above "max," drain oil to prevent damage.
2. What happens if I keep driving with too much oil?
You can get leaks, smoke or even engine damage from foaming and pressure buildup.
3. Can I remove excess oil myself?
Yes, with an oil suction pump through the dipstick or through the drain plug. Do be careful and collect the oil well.
4. Can I add oil while the engine is warm?
You can, but always check the level with a cold engine to avoid misreading.
5. Is it bad if you are slightly above 'max'?
A little is not an immediate disaster, but structurally too much is absolutely harmful.
6. How do I avoid this in the future?
Always refill in steps, check in between and never "at the guess" add extra oil.
7. Can a garage remove oil?
Yes, almost any garage can quickly and cleanly drain excess oil without causing damage.
8. Where do I buy good quality oil?
In the webshop of Solution Oil find reliable oil tailored to your engine.
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