Putting too much oil in your car can cause several serious problems:
- Oil Aeration and Foaming: Excess oil causes the crankshaft to come into contact with the oil, whipping it into a frothy, foamy substance. This aerated oil cannot properly lubricate engine components, leading to increased wear and potential engine damage
- Loss of Proper Lubrication: Because foamy oil does not circulate correctly, vital engine parts may not receive adequate lubrication, which can cause overheating and even engine seizure
- Increased Oil Pressure and Seal Damage: Overfilled oil raises internal oil pressure, which can strain and damage seals and gaskets, causing oil leaks
- Oil Leaks and Burning: Excess oil can be forced past piston rings into the combustion chamber, resulting in oil burning, blue or white smoke from the exhaust, fouled spark plugs, and increased emissions
- Reduced Engine Performance: The extra resistance from too much oil can decrease engine power and fuel efficiency
- Potential Severe Engine Damage: In extreme cases, overfilling can cause catastrophic engine failure, such as a rod breaking through the engine block, especially if oil level is significantly above the maximum mark
Common symptoms of overfilled engine oil include:
- Check engine light turning on due to abnormal oil pressure
- White or blue smoke from the exhaust
- Oil leaks around the engine
- Reduced engine performance and unusual noises
If you suspect overfilling, it is important to drain the excess oil promptly to prevent damage
. In summary, too much oil in your car can lead to foaming, loss of lubrication, increased pressure causing leaks, smoke from burning oil, reduced performance, and potentially severe engine damage if not corrected