Changing the engine oil at recommended times is a part of regular maintenance on your vehicle. Knowing what color is appropriate for the oil helps maintain the engine.
In this article I will clarify what the best color of oil for engine use is and why. I will also explain the checking oil condition, so you can keep up on the engine maintenance needed.
If you’ve also been wondering how often you need to change the oil, I have guidelines for that, too!
What Color Should Oil Be On Dipstick?
Oil can be various shades of amber, depending on which oil you use and how old your vehicle is, and depending on your additives, it can be darker and darken faster. After an oil change, it should stay amber for a good amount of time.
Over time, motor oil absorbs combustion by-products that cause contamination. The longer you go without an oil change, the darker the oil becomes. The fact that it darkens based off time shows that it is performing its designed function.
On the other hand, if you have a diesel engine, the engine oil can turn black very quickly after an oil change, so in diesel engines, it is better to stick to the maintenance schedule. This article is focused on gas engines.
Dipstick Oil Color Chart
#1. Amber.
As we discussed earlier, amber motor oil is perfectly acceptable and in fact, should look that way. In fact, the best oil is the same color it was when you put it in the engine. The oil should look amber and the closer to amber it is, the better.
If you can see amber oil on the dipstick, the car is still in the safe zone for several more days or longer. You will want to keep checking the oil and see if anything changes.
#2. Dark Brown/Black.
When the oil is dark brown or black, it could be a normal scenario or it could be a problem. It is most likely time to change the oil. The more dirt gets into the oil, the darker and thicker the oil gets and that is a normal sign that dirt has begun to build up.
The engine oil may be dark brown or darker colored but it could still thin, this is also a normal scenario too. Depending on the additives that you are using, it may make the color look dark, but if the oil does not cling to the dipstick, you are probably okay and can continue to drive your car.
#3. Cream or Milky.
If the oil appears foamy and milky, this is something that you want to take immediate action to stop. Most of the time, this type of oil means you have a blown head gasket, which can result in coolant leaking into the oil. This is an expensive repair to fix.
You may even notice cream on the oil fill cap, as well. This can create white smoke from the exhaust and the engine may overheat, as well. You better not wait too long on this problem or you may face even larger repair bills.
There is a small chance that the oil isn’t a blown head gasket. It is possible that just some water accidentally contaminated the oil. In that case, you could accept a new oil change and this should clear up the problem.
#4. Rust.
If you have an older car, or you live in a humid environment, you may see the engine oil develop a rusty color.
Humidity can create condensation on the dipstick, which could result in a reddish or rusty look. Your metal dipstick may already have surface rust that could be affecting the appearance of your engine oil in a similar manner.
It’s also possible that some automatic transmission fluid is leaking into your engine because of a fault somewhere. If so, this will create a reddish and rusty look.
Either of these conditions should warrant an immediate visit to your mechanic service.
How to Read Oil Dipstick?
#1. Park Car.
Park and secure the vehicle first. Try to park it flat and set the hand-brake.
Shut off the engine and wait a couple of minutes for the engine to cool a bit, then you are ready for the next step.
You can check the oil quality and level, when the engine is a little warm, but just be careful where you touch it since the parts may still be hot.
#2 Pull Out Dipstick.
Open the hood and locate the dipstick for engine oil. It may have a yellow handle, or it will be labeled “Engine Oil” – there will also be a dipstick for the transmission oil, or if you cannot find it, you can check the owner’s manual as there should be a picture showing where everything is in the engine compartment.
Pull out the dipstick; make sure not to drip any oil on the motor, or you will smell that burning oil once the motor is hot. You can hold your rag or lint free paper towel under it when you pull it out to keep the oil from dripping too much, if any, onto the motor.
#3. Cleaning the Dipstick.
You want to wipe the dipstick off with a paper towel or rag. You aren’t going to read the levels right now, you simply want to wipe off the dipstick.
Once the dipstick is cleaned off, you can put the dipstick back in the tube, pushing it in until it won’t push in any further.
#4. Pulling the Dipstick Out Again.
Now you are going to pull the dipstick back out, but this time read the level. You can hold the rag at the bottom to prevent the oil from dripping, but don’t wipe off the dipstick.
Before you put the dipstick back, you want to make sure you note the level of oil is at. You will want to check the condition of the motor oil as well.
#5. Read Condition & Level.
There will be two marks on the dipstick. The bottom line indicates the oil level is low and the other line is full.
You want to make sure the level falls between these two lines. If it is low, you need to add some oil. If it is above the full line then you need to remove some oil.
Lastly, you need to evaluate the oil color. You can refer to the color chart I provided earlier, to review the condition of the oil. Even if your oil level is good, if it is dirty, you need to change it. It doesn’t do any good just to run a whole bunch of dirty oil through the engine.
How Often is Oil Change Needed?
In the past, oil changes were recommended every 3,000 miles. New oil technology and blends are not lasting as long as most oils do. Some vehicles and oil can go to 10,000 miles or longer without an oil change.
To find out how long you can go, check the owner’s manual. The manufacturer has recommendations that you should follow, especially if the vehicle is under warranty. The owner’s manual will also tell you what oil is recommended to use.
In addition to that, conventional oils are recommended to be changed more often. Synthetic or synthetic blend oils are more expensive but can go much longer before the oil change is recommended.
It is also relevant to consider how you are using the vehicle, if you are driving in extreme temperatures, rough roads, or towing something all extras wear on the engine and may require oil changes sooner.
These frequencies are closer for some of the extra effort that is required of the engine. Another consideration is type of engine and car.
If diesel, oil may need to be changed more often than gas engines. Turbo engines may apply sometimes as well if driving style varies.
When in doubt, check the oil condition based on the color chart above. Amber is okay, therefore no reason to change it.