Red tint to engine oil

Hey everyone, I’m doing my second oil change on my 23 ORP. I noticed the oil looks a little red on the dipstick. I’m using Mobil 1 Synthetic. Is this something to worry about?

 

Subbed to hear thoughts

 

I have no insight into what would cause that, but I am curious, how many miles on this oil?

 

3,800

 

Changed by you or a shop?

 

Me

 

Does it smell like tranny or power steering fluid?

 

No, just smelled like used oil. I’m reading online that synthetics can change reddish because of additives? Idk but this looks really red and my coolant is the red stuff. Wouldn’t the level have gone up if coolant was leaking into it?

 

If you want to know for sure what's in the oil I would send a sample to Blackstone Labs for an analysis.

https://www.blackstone-labs.com/tests/standard-analysis/

 

That doesn't look particularly unusual to me.

Just looks like it's in the middle of going from a straw yellow to a dark brown.

How does your air filter look?

 

Makes sense considering I’m changing it earlier than usual.

 

Filter looks good.

That oil color isn't enough to alarm me personally but as @AuSeeker mentioned, you could always send a sample to Blackstone to double check.

 

I think my 2016 Tacoma would pass thru that color from new Mobil 1 (0-20) to 6000 miles. When just changed I could hardly see the oil on stick. It would be darker when changed. The 3.5 liter V6 would not use any oil. Drained and captured every change. My Accord uses about 1 quart every 2500 miles. Toyota was tightest engine I ever had regarding piston rings and valves.

 

Are you checking at a certain time every month?

Jokes aside, looks normal to me.

 

Probably not an issue then.

 

Mine always has a red tint too.

 

That’s what she said.

 

What color is it on a pappertowel,
The lighting and dipstick can make it look red

 

I had the same color of oil on mine as well. It's on its 3rd oil change with Mobil 1 at 3-4k changes. I'm not the only one

 

I'm not saying this is alarming, but I do think it is odd and I understand why you are reaching out. I can't say I've seen that color.

 

Just out of curiosity what brand oil filter?

 

WIX

 

Stick with the OEM oil filters. Also, make sure your pcv valve and hoses are clear of obstruction and flowing properly.
That almost looks like the color I get out of my catch can.
It could very well be a characteristic of Mobil 1, but I've never used it, so I can't say for sure.

 

I have never observed that color of oil on the dipstick on my Tacoma or 4Runner. Both on Toyota 0w/20 and Toyota Filters.

If you are concerned try an oil analysis and make a note when you send it in, let them know you are using a WIX filter as well.

 

What type of driving? A lot of short trips? Sport driving or fast freeway? etc...

On my former vehicle (2013 Ford Explorer) I used Mobil 1 Advance Synthetic 5w-20 and I do a lot of short trips and around town. Also some on highway but not much. Oil looked red brownish like yours at 2,500 Miles and 6 months. I sent the oil to Blackstone Labs, the report stated that the TBN was down to 3 but the metals content was the same as 1 year use. So to me 6 months change interval is in order.

 

I think it's just the oil tint of Mobil 1 and getting dirty.
New Ow 20 extended performance has that orange tint to it IMO.

 

Mobil 1 left.
Don't worry about it, drive and enjoy your toy

 

Like the post above me suggests, it’s most likely the color of the oil.
OP said the oil had 3800 miles so not all that old. I’m guessing it’s just the original color that is getting dirty but not dirty enough to be darker.
I’m used to see clean oil as more of a yellowish color but it doesn’t mean there’s no other oils of different color.
The best you can do is open another bottle of oil that you used and if it’s reddish brand new then everything should be normal

 

Change back to Toyota OEM Oil and filter. See if still same after a few thousand miles.
I have seen pure red and pure green eco engine oils in other countries.