Ever been surprised to see your engine oil turn milky white? Don't worry, you're not alone. This phenomenon has left many car owners wondering, "Why did the oil change color like that?"

To better understand engine health, let's find out what actually happened.

Why Does Oil Turn Milky White?

Oil turning milky white is usually not good news. The main cause is simple: the oil is mixed with water.

Water can enter from various sources, ranging from radiator leaks, water vapor, to extreme events such as the car being flooded.

If your car has just passed through a puddle or flood, it's best to take it to a repair shop immediately. The purpose? To ensure that no water remains in the engine compartment and mixes with the oil.

This is because once water enters, the lubrication function is disrupted. Engine components that are supposed to work smoothly will rub against each other and eventually wear out. You definitely don't want your engine to break down because you were late checking the oil, right?

Is it dangerous if the oil has turned milky white?

The answer: Yes, it's very dangerous!

Oil that has turned milky white indicates that the lubricant has lost its ability to function. The engine is not properly lubricated, and the side effects can range from minor wear to internal component damage.

The worst-case scenario? Your car could suddenly break down on the road and not start again. That's why, if the oil looks like this, don't delay—immediately change the oil and have the engine checked.

What is the normal color of oil?

Each manufacturer has a standard oil color, but in general, normal oil looks clear, shiny, and thick, similar to fresh vegetable oil from a bottle.

When the oil starts to turn brown or even black, it's a natural sign that the oil has been working hard to lubricate the engine. Although this is normal, the color change means you need to change the oil.

The Meaning of Each Car Oil Color

To make it easier to recognize the condition of your car, here's the meaning behind each oil color:

1. Clear Yellow - This means the oil quality is still good and lubrication is optimal.
2. Brownish Yellow - This usually appears after the car has just had an oil change. The color changes slightly because it has started circulating in the engine.
3. Regular Black - This is a sign that the car has traveled approximately 5,000 km. This is normal, especially if the car is used frequently.
4. Dark Black - This is a red flag. It could indicate an issue inside the engine or that the oil has not been changed for too long.

Conclusion

Oil turning milky white is not a minor issue. If you notice this sign, immediately have it checked to ensure the engine remains healthy and safe to use. Maintaining the oil means ensuring the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

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Oli Mesin Berubah Putih Susu? Ini Penyebab dan Tanda Bahayanya

Pernah kaget melihat oli mesin berubah warna jadi putih susu? Tenang, kamu bukan satu-satunya. Fenomena ini memang bikin banyak pemilik mobil bertanya-tanya: “Kenapa oli bisa berubah warna seperti itu?”

Nah, biar makin paham soal kesehatan mesin, yuk kenali apa yang sebenarnya terjadi.

Kenapa Oli Bisa Berwarna Putih Susu?

Perubahan oli jadi putih susu biasanya bukan kabar baik. Penyebab utamanya simpel: oli tercampur air.

Air bisa masuk dari berbagai sumber, mulai dari rembesan radiator, uap air, sampai kejadian ekstrem seperti mobil habis menerjang banjir.

Kalau mobil kamu baru saja melewati genangan atau banjir, ada baiknya langsung dibawa ke bengkel. Tujuannya? Untuk memastikan tidak ada sisa air yang nyasar ke ruang mesin dan bercampur dengan oli.

Soalnya, begitu air masuk, fungsi pelumasan jadi kacau. Komponen mesin yang harusnya bekerja halus malah saling bergesekan dan lama-lama aus. Kamu jelas nggak mau mesin jebol gara-gara telat ngecek oli, kan?

Berbahaya Nggak Kalau Oli Sudah Berwarna Putih Susu?

Jawabannya: Ya, sangat berbahaya!

Oli yang warnanya berubah jadi putih susu menandakan pelumas sudah kehilangan kemampuannya bekerja. Mesin jadi tidak dilumasi dengan baik, dan efek sampingnya bisa mulai dari aus ringan hingga kerusakan komponen internal.

Skenario terburuknya? Mobil bisa mogok mendadak di jalan dan tidak bisa distarter lagi. Itu sebabnya, kalau warnanya sudah seperti ini, jangan tunda, langsung ganti oli dan periksakan kondisi mesin.

Seperti Apa Warna Oli yang Normal?

Setiap pabrikan punya warna oli standar, tapi secara umum oli normal terlihat jernih, mengilap, dan kental, mirip minyak sayur baru dari botol.

Saat oli mulai berubah jadi cokelat atau bahkan hitam, itu tanda alami bahwa oli sudah bekerja keras melumasi mesin. Meski wajar, perubahan warna itu artinya kamu sudah perlu mengganti oli.

Arti Setiap Warna Oli Mobil

Biar makin gampang mengenali kondisi mobil, berikut arti di balik warna oli:

1. Kuning Jernih - Artinya kualitas oli masih bagus dan pelumasan berjalan optimal.
2. Kuning Cokelat - Biasanya muncul setelah mobil baru saja ganti oli. Warnanya sedikit berubah karena sudah mulai bersirkulasi di dalam mesin.
3. Hitam Biasa - Tanda mobil sudah menempuh kurang lebih 5.000 km. Wajar, terutama jika mobil sering dipakai.
4. Hitam Pekat - Nah, ini alarm merah. Bisa jadi ada masalah di dalam mesin atau oli sudah terlalu lama tidak diganti.

Kesimpulan

Perubahan oli menjadi putih susu bukan hal sepele. Begitu terlihat tanda ini, segera lakukan pengecekan agar mesin tetap sehat dan aman digunakan. Merawat oli berarti menjaga keselamatan dan umur panjang kendaraan.