What does motor oil color say about your car’s health?

If you’re on top of your car’s health, then you know just how important oil changes are to its overall well-being. They’re one of the most frequent auto services you’ll schedule for it, right up there with tire rotations. However, even if you get on an oil change schedule with Toyota of Clermont and stick to a routine, it’s still critical to pay attention to what’s going on in between appointments. That’s why we recommend checking your oil regularly – simply pulling out the dipstick can tell you a lot about your car’s health. Check out this quick guide to motor oil color from the experts at the Toyota of Clermont service center.

What your motor oil color means

#1: If your motor oil is caramel, amber, or tan in color…

You’re in good shape. This is the motor oil color you want when you pull the dipstick out to check your oil. It’s the color it is when it comes out of the bottle, so if it’s still that hue, you’re in good shape. As long as the level of the oil falls in between the two tic marks on the dipstick, you’re fine. If it’s below the bottom tic mark, the level is too low and you’re due for an oil change at Toyota of Clermont.

#2: If your motor oil is dark brown or black in color… 

You may need an oil change. Typically, if your oil is dark in color then it’s either dirty or has been exposed to heat too much by being cycled through the engine too many times. This is especially true of oil that has dirt or debris in it. Running motor oil like this through the engine can cause damage, so if you spot this motor oil color, call us to schedule car maintenance.

#3: If your motor oil is creamy or milky in color… 

There’s probably some sort of moisture in it. Look for other signs – if you notice white smoke coming out of your tailpipe or that your coolant level is dropping a lot faster than normal, then you likely have a head gasket leak (which is causing the motor oil color to turn milky). If the head gasket blows you’ve got a major issue on your hands, so be sure to schedule auto service ASAP.

#4: If your motor oil is creamy or milky in color AND frothy in texture… 

But don’t forget to look at the texture, too. If your motor oil color is milky or creamy and has a frothy texture to it and you don’t spot any signs that indicate a problem with the head gasket, you likely have water in it somehow. This can cause engine damage over time so don’t ignore it – get your car checked as soon as you can.

Schedule your next oil change at Toyota of Clermont

Need help decoding your motor oil color? Call us today at (352) 404-7001. We’re open seven days a week and can get you and your ride back on the road in the best shape possible. We’re conveniently located just west of the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50!

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