Car engine oil is often described as the lifeblood of the car, keeping all the parts moving smoothly, preventing the motor from overheating, and keeping wear and tear and corrosion at bay. However, there can be “too much of a good thing”. Your car’s engine needs a delicate balance as too much oil can create unnecessary strain on the parts, leading to wear or thermal damage.
Moreover, in more serious cases, the oil can leak into the combustion chambers, causing an increase in the operating temperature and a buildup of carbon deposits. These deposits can block up and damage the car’s catalytic converter, which can cost a pretty penny to replace.
Too much oil in car: symptoms
- High oil pressure – overfilling the tank may cause oil pressure to skyrocket, which may damage seals and the oil pump.
- Oil leaks – if the tank is too full, it could overflow and leave puddles of oil below the car. Check to make sure the oil pan is not damaged and that the filler cap is tightly closed.
- Abnormal engine noises – due to increased pressure and strain on the engine components, you may hear strange knocking, clattering, or grinding sounds.
- Foaming oil – the speed of the crankshaft may cause the oil to become aerated or foamy, making it less effective as a lubricant.
- Check Engine light – If the engine control unit detects an issue, it may trigger the Check Engine light on the dashboard to alert the driver.
All cars either have an electronic oil monitoring system or an car oil dipstick that allows you to check the oil levels manually. When topping up your car engine oil, you should do so slowly and make sure to check the oil levels periodically as you do it. Each dipstick has a maximum and minimum line/marking and the oil level should be between the two lines.
You shouldn’t just think about the quantity. Using the wrong type of motor oil can be just as deadly. Each manufacturer recommends a specific oil formula and viscosity for both hot and cold temperatures to meet the needs of the engine model, e.g. “Castrol 5W 30 oil”. If the lubricant runs too thick, it could make it harder for the parts to move, and if it is too thin, it will not protect them against friction and the extreme heat.
How long can I run my car with too much oil?
While there’s no way of knowing exactly how long it would take for problems to arise after overfilling your engine, continuing to drive the car for more than a few minutes is strongly advised against.
Instead, if you find out that there is too much oil in your car, you can avoid costly repairs by simply draining the excess fluid. You can have this done by a professional mechanic or you can do it yourself at home with the right tools, such as a container to collect the lubricant. Make sure to follow environmental regulations and dispose of it accordingly.
When you next top up the oil in the tank, remember to take your time and to check the condition of the oil filter as well. Most mechanics recommend buying an oil filter and replacing it at the same time to ensure optimal performance and save time in the long run.
FAQ
Can you put too much oil in your car?
Yes, as explained above, too much oil in the engine can be almost if not just as harmful as too little oil. Most models only require between 5 and 8 quarts of oil.
What's likely to happen if you put too much oil in your engine?
In some cases, you may only notice a slight difference in performance or an increase in the oil pressure and noise generated by the engine. In other more serious cases, you may experience a high rate of engine wear, foamy motor oil, and catalytic converter failure.
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