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Does black engine oil mean that it needs to be changed as soon as possible? This is a common belief among drivers. Adam Klimek, an expert at TotalEnergies, explains why a change in the color of a lubricant is a natural phenomenon and does not necessarily indicate wear and tear.
Black oil causes concern among some car users. In practice, however, this should not usually be a cause for concern. Oil can change color even after driving several hundred kilometers since the last change. In diesel engines, this happens almost immediately, while in gasoline engines it happens more slowly, although in direct injection gasoline engines the process also occurs relatively quickly. Oil in gasoline engines powered by LPG retains its light color the longest.
Why does oil change color?
Fuel combustion products, primarily soot, are responsible for the darkening of the lubricant. Its amount is significantly higher in diesel engines, but it is also present in modern gasoline engines, mainly in direct injection models.
When the engine is running, the oil circulates in the lubrication system and flows near the combustion chambers. There, it captures and carries away contaminants. This is possible thanks to its dispersive properties: the oil disperses soot particles, preventing them from settling on engine components. The largest contaminants are retained by the oil filter, while smaller ones circulate in the oil until it is changed.
This is why regular lubricant replacement is so important – not because it changes color, but because at some point it reaches the limits of its ability to bind contaminants.
Modern oils and “dirty” appearance
TotalEnergies offers oils with a very high soot binding capacity. Even after a short mileage, they can take on a dark color because they effectively flush out and absorb contaminants without losing their lubricating properties.
Oils developed using ART (Age Resistance Technology) perform particularly well in this respect. This is an advanced formula that provides high resistance to oxidation and wear, while allowing the oil to effectively absorb contaminants throughout its service life, protecting the engine from their accumulation.
The color of the oil is not an indicator of its quality
Used oil can indeed be very dark or tarry, but color alone is not a reliable criterion for assessing its condition. In practice, oil can turn black even shortly after replacement, especially in diesel engines, and still perform its function.
To properly care for your engine, you should:
- change the oil regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations,
- in severe operating conditions, shorten the intervals between oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations,
- use products that meet the relevant standards and approvals,
- do not judge the condition of the oil solely on the basis of its color.
Changing the oil too often “just in case” will not damage the engine, but it can significantly strain the user's budget. Proper operation is based on knowledge, not myths.
Learn more
A series of educational materials in which Adam Klimek debunks popular myths about motor oils is also available in video form on the TotalEnergies YouTube channel:
Adam Klimek debunks oil myths, part 1 | TotalEnergies Polska - YouTube:
