Gray oil?

[acxiombill]

I've had my 2012 3.8 Genesis sedan since new, and have always had it serviced at the dealership. This is the first car I've owned (my 59th vehicle) where the oil looks dirty gray on the dipstick AFTER an oil change. I have the oil/filter changed every 4-5K miles and they always use a synthetic blend. Is this NORMAL? Why is the new oil this color? It's really only a little lighter than the old oil, as I've compared dipstick wipes on white towels, side by side. The new oil looks cleaner but is still a charcoal gray color on the towels. Not the typical amber color I'm used to seeing. Thoughts? This is driving me crazy.

 

[Mark_888]

Has this occurred after every oil change?

I would take your car to different Hyundai dealer for your next oil change, and make sure you know what kind of oil they are using (ask them).

If the problem still occurs at the new dealer, you "may" have coolant in your oil caused by a leaky head gasket or cracked engine block. You could have an oil analysis done at a place like Blackstone http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ I would think that is covered by the 100K mile or 10 year powertrain warranty.

 

[MagicRobert]

Dirty gray? If you mean a milky gray that is not transparent, you have coolant in your oil. Period. You want to get this checked out immediately. If it is gray and perfectly transparent I have no idea what it is. Keep us informed. Good luck.

 

[TroyK]

is it possible the maintenance guy at the dealership isn't changing your filter??

 

[Mark_888]

is it possible the maintenance guy at the dealership isn't changing your filter??

He will find out if he does an oil change at another dealership.

 

[Inokea]

I'm just lurking and curious what caused this oil color.
I suspect coolant however anxiously waiting for your results of dealer response.