Should I worry about black oil?

I have just picked up my HDI Citroen C3 Picasso from its two year service (25,000 miles) and on checking the oil level the oil is black.

On lifting the filler cap the oil at the top of the engine is black. I am convinced that they haven't changed the oil, but want to be certain before I take it up with the garage.

The company has been established in the town over well over 70 years and has a lot of dealerships in the town representing numerous manufacturers. What advice can you give me to help prove it?

They also claim to have changed the brake fluid which is harder to verify, but as they appear to have conned me on the oil change I am wondering if they have completed the rest of the service properly.

Asked on 26 May 2012 by Duncan

Answered by Honest John

Diesel engines retain a lot of carbon inside and that can turn fresh oil black almost instantly.

Tags: oil technical issues

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