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What color should my car’s oil be?

So, I’m not an expert on cars or anything but I checked my oil today and I think something is off. My oil is a very deep black and it’s thicker-looking than I think It should be. Or maybe that’s how it’s supposed to be. I don’t know. What color is engine oil supposed to be?

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Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Uh oh! That certainly doesn’t sound good! You’re right to think that something is off. Ideally, your engine oil should be amber or at least a rusted yellow-brown. If it is full on black, you’ll need to change it.
There’s no reason necessarily to think that there is anything actually wrong with your car. You probably are just well overdue for an oil change. I would schedule one right away.
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