What could a change in the color of an oil indicate?

A change in the color of oil can indicate contamination or degradation of the lubricant. Oil is typically formulated with specific characteristics, including color, that signal its condition and performance. When the oil changes color, it may be a sign that it has been contaminated with dirt, water, or other foreign substances, which can negatively impact its lubrication properties.

Additionally, a change in color can also suggest that the oil is breaking down due to the effects of heat, oxidation, or water contamination. These factors can lead to reduced effectiveness in protecting engine components or machinery, as the oil's ability to reduce friction and wear may be compromised. Therefore, monitoring oil color is an important aspect of maintenance that helps to ensure machinery runs efficiently and reliably.

While other answers propose scenarios related to lubrication, they do not connect directly to the immediate implications of a color change as clearly as the indication of contamination or degradation does.