Debunking Oil Color Myths in Modern Car Maintenance

For generations, a simple, visceral test has dictated one of the most common car maintenance rituals: pull the dipstick, see black oil, and declare it "dirty" and in need of an immediate change. This rule has been passed down from mechanic to driver as gospel. However, modern automotive science reveals this to be one of the most persistent and costly misconceptions in car care. The color of your oil is often a sign of health, not decay.