We’ve all heard that motor oil is the “life blood” of a car, and that “blood” can tell you a lot about what’s going on under the hood. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is dedicated to ensuring that our customers have a trouble-free experience each and every year. Here are some helpful ways to check this critical fluid and diagnose what might be happening in the engine by its color. So pop open the hood, pull out the dipstick and see what’s up.
OIL THAT’S TAN, AMBER OR CARAMEL-COLORED
This is a good sign. Fresh motor oil falls into one of these shades. If yours still reflects that fresh color, you’re in good shape.
OIL THAT’S DARK BROWN OR BLACK
There is dirt or debris in the motor oil. Dark oil can also reflect being exposed to high heat as it cycles frequently through the engine. If your oil is dark, it can damage engine parts, so schedule an oil change ASAP with the service department at Peruzzi Toyota.
OIL THAT LOOKS “CREAMY” OR “MILKY”
That’s a sign that some kind of moisture has crept into the oil. Be aware of other indicators, such as coolant levels that drop faster than usual, or white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. That can indicate a leak in the head gasket. Before this critical part gives way altogether, schedule a service appointment at Peruzzi Toyota and save yourself a world of hurt.
OIL THAT’S BOTH “CREAMY/MILKY” AND “FROTHY”
When it comes to your motor oil, it’s not just the color – it’s the texture. If your dipstick indicates that your oil has a “milky” color, but it also looks a bit frothy, pay close attention. That means some serious water has gotten in to the works. That can cause engine damage over time. Make and appointment to have it checked (and fixed) as soon as possible.
One final note regarding your motor oil: when you look at the dipstick, if it falls below the two “ticks” on the blade, you need a refill on this essential fluid. Remember that the service pros at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA are here to help you with oil changes – and any other kind of maintenance issues. We’ll keep your Toyota running at peak efficiency!
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