In fact, the engine continues to consume oil. But its lack is compensated by gasoline and water. So it turns out that the level does not fall, and sometimes even grows.
Excess fuel
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In winter, warming up the engine to operating temperature takes much longer than in summer. In this mode, the engine management system provides a rich fuel mixture.
And the more modern the engine and the higher the environmental standards, the richer the mixture. Excess fuel burns out already in the catalytic converter, which leads to a rapid heating of the ceramic cells and effective disposal of exhaust gases.
However, gasoline from a rich mixture condenses on the walls of the cylinders that have not yet been warmed up and enters the oil through the piston rings.
With frequent cold starts and short trips, the fuel from the oil does not have time to evaporate. Therefore, the level in the pan gradually rises.
Moreover, such an effect can be observed by owners of cars with both gasoline and diesel engines.
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Where is the water from?
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When the engine is turned off after a trip, the air inside the unit cools down and moisture condenses on the walls. A little, but if the trips are frequent, but short, then this water from the oil does not have time to evaporate.
To verify this, just unscrew the oil filler cap. A yellowish coating forms on its lower surface in winter, resembling sour cream in consistency. It is an emulsion (mechanical mixture) of water with engine oil. The valve cover is covered with the same deposits.
Water is also collected in the pan. That is why the oil level rises.
A large puddle at the bottom of the pan is especially dangerous (after all, water is heavier than oil). If it freezes in frost, the oil supply to the oil intake will completely stop. The consequences are tragic: oil starvation and increased wear of parts, leading to engine overhaul.
Emulsion on the oil filler cap.Emulsion on the oil filler cap.
How to prevent?
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The best prevention is intensive use of the car and long trips. For example, in taxis that travel 100,000 km a year, there is practically no water or fuel in the oil.
A recipe for owners of personal vehicles: after 4-5 short trips, you must definitely make one long one. Moreover, after a full warm-up, it is desirable to drive the engine at high speeds.
If road conditions do not allow developing a high (over 100 km / h) speed, it is necessary to switch to lower gears so that the engine speed is not less than 4000 per minute, and maintain this mode for at least 15–20 minutes. During such a trip, the fuel and moisture from the oil will evaporate.
Another useful would be the insulation of the engine compartment. An apron can be installed on the radiator grill, and the engine can be covered from above with an auto blanket.
The auto blanket helps to reduce the amount of emulsion on the inside surface of the valve cover, as it retains heat in the upper part of the motor.The auto blanket helps to reduce the amount of emulsion on the inside surface of the valve cover, as it retains heat in the upper part of the motor.
Be careful!
The oil level can rise in winter for other reasons. For example, the ingress of excess fuel will occur due to a leaky injector. Or through leaky gaskets or through cracks in parts, antifreeze will begin to enter the oil.
If black smoke is coming from the exhaust system or the engine has recently overheated, it is worth stopping by for diagnostics, not comforting yourself with the fact that the oil level is simply rising due to condensate.
