PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
How can I tell if my engine oil is too thick?
Usually, I bring my car in to have my engine oil changed, but I recently topped the oil up myself using oil that my husband uses for his car. I’ve noticed my fuel efficiency is worse and I wonder if it’s because of the oil I put in my car. Do you know what the symptoms of engine oil that’s too thick for my car are?
Katherine Duffy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re sorry you’re having issues with your car’s engine oil! Common symptoms of engine oil that’s too thick for your car are poor fuel economy, a tough time starting in cold weather, and shorter engine life.
Here’s a breakdown of each symptom so you know what to look out for:
- Poor fuel economy: Too-thick engine oil wastes fuel because it causes friction between the engine’s pistons. This means your engine will require more fuel to do its job properly!
- Tough time starting in cold weather: Cold weather increases oil viscosity, making it difficult for your automobile to warm the oil and flow it through the engine. This increases friction and resistance in your engine, which is why thick oil is difficult to start in cold weather.
- Shorter engine life: Oil that’s too thick forces your engine parts to work harder than necessary. This can lead to excessive friction, incorrect oil temperatures, and incorrect oil pressure. Unnecessary wear and tear will dramatically reduce the life of your engine.
To avoid this problem, always fill your engine with the recommended oil stated in the owner’s manual.
Having the wrong engine oil can cause serious problems down the line, just like having the wrong insurance coverage could put you at risk when you least expect it.
Signing up for the right
car insurance
coverage at an affordable rate can help avoid problems down the line. Jerry
, the super app
, can help!Jerry is the easiest and most effective way to find a car insurance policy that is customized for you. After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to.
This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies