Used the Wrong Engine Oil? See What It Can Do to Your Engine

Introduction: Why Engine Oil Grade Matters

At Biswas Automobiles, Dhaka's trusted multi-brand car service center, we often receive vehicles facing severe engine trouble simply due to wrong engine oil usage. While many car owners overlook engine oil grade, it plays a crucial role in protecting engine components, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the vehicle's lifespan.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly what happens if you use the wrong oil grade, how it affects your car’s engine, what symptoms to look for, and how we at Biswas Automobiles can help you fix or prevent oil-related issues. Whether you drive a Toyota, Honda, BMW, Nissan, or Mercedes, using the recommended oil grade is vital.

What Does Engine Oil Do for Your Car?

Lubricates moving parts
: Prevents metal-to-metal contact
Cools engine components
: Carries away excess heat
Removes contaminants
: Collects and neutralizes dirt and debris
Protects against corrosion
: Coats parts to resist rust
Improves engine performance
: Maintains pressure and cleanliness

Understanding Engine Oil Grades: 5W-30 vs 10W-30 and More

Oil Grade	Meaning	Best Use Conditions
5W-30	Thin when cold, normal hot	Most modern cars, year-round use
10W-30	Slightly thicker cold start	Warmer climates, older engines
5W-20	Very thin	Fuel-efficient, newer cars
20W-50	Very thick	High-temp, older or diesel engines

Can You Use a Different Oil in Your Car?

Technically, yes — but it’s risky. Engine oils are not universally interchangeable. Using a different oil grade may lead to:

Poor engine lubrication
Decreased fuel economy
Damage to seals and gaskets
Increased oil burn-off

What Happens If You Put the Wrong Oil in Your Engine?

Oil won’t flow correctly during cold starts or high heat
Engine parts grind due to lack of lubrication
Oil consumption increases, leading to frequent top-ups
Oil filter clogs, reducing pressure
Increased engine deposits, reducing performance
Premature engine wear or even engine failure

Symptoms of Using the Wrong Oil

Engine becomes noisy or makes ticking sounds
Smoke or burning smell from the exhaust
Oil leaks under the vehicle
Reduced fuel economy
Engine warning light appears
Car struggles to start in the morning

These symptoms vary depending on the oil’s viscosity and how long it’s been in use. At Biswas Automobiles, our expert technicians use computerized diagnostics to identify oil-related issues within minutes.

Can the Wrong Oil Cause Your Car Not to Start?

Absolutely. One of the most common emergencies we deal with in Dhaka involves vehicles that won’t start because of:

Thick oil during winter slowing engine crank
Sludge buildup blocking oil flow
Worn piston rings due to improper oil film

In such cases, we offer 24/7 Emergency Breakdown Services, towing your vehicle to our garage and performing an immediate oil flush and change.

How to Fix the Wrong Oil in a Car

Drain old oil completely (hot drain method for full removal)
Change the oil filter to remove any contaminated residue
Add flushing agent, if needed, to clear deposits
Refill with manufacturer-recommended oil grade
Reset ECU oil data (for smart vehicles)
Test engine pressure and performance

We use only premium branded oils like Mobil, Castrol, and Shell, and our work comes with service warranty.

Real-Life Case Study: Toyota Allion 2012

One of our customers used 20W-50 mineral oil for their Toyota Allion, which required 5W-30 synthetic. After 3 months, the car started consuming oil quickly, emitting black smoke, and the fuel efficiency dropped.

Our solution:

Full engine flush
New 5W-30 synthetic oil
ECU reset

Result:

Engine smoothness restored and mileage improved from 6 km/L to 10 km/L in city traffic.

What Oil Does Your Car Need? Let Us Help

To avoid mistakes, always refer to your owner’s manual or simply call our experts. We keep a digital database of oil grade recommendations for over 2,000+ vehicle models.