Metal shavings in your oil are not normal, and even worse if you notice them in your oil dipstick while checking your oil level. It is your engine crying for help. Although it is quite unusual for metal shaving to contaminate your engine oil, if it happens, then your engine is at high risk of damage.
The inadequate lubrication of your Porsche engine causes friction between the moving components, which results in tiny metal shavings rubbing off and falling into the oil. The oil then gets contaminated by the metal shavings as it mixes in, which further hinders the proper lubrication of the engine. This can be compared to having tiny sandspurs in your shoes. If the problem is left unaddressed, these metal shards could ultimately damage the engine.
Causes of Metal Shavings in Oil
Metal shavings originate from poor lubrication of the engine. The lack of lubrication sets the chain of events in motion, which in turn causes other problems in your Porsche if left unattended. If you notice that your oil is running low, you want to go in for oil replacement to prevent friction between the engine components.
Leaving the problem unattended could further cause damage to your engine and hinder your vehicle’s overall performance. If the issue is allowed to persist, it could result in engine failure and expensive rebuilds.
Symptoms of Metal Shavings in the Oil
Running your engine with oil contaminated with metal shavings will affect your Porsche’s overall performance. The moment you notice any of the symptoms discussed below, it is best to consult a Porsche specialist for diagnosis and make adequate repairs.
Oil Contamination
The most obvious way of knowing you have metal shavings in your oil is through examination. In the event of the contamination of your oil with metal shavings, you will notice metallic particles or flakes in the oil. The metal particles or flakes are usually a by-product of the friction between the engine components as a result of poor lubrication.
Reduced engine performance
Porsche is known for high-performance vehicles. With metal shavings in your oil, your engine components would be inadequately lubricated, which results in reduced engine performance. When the engine performance drops, you may notice delayed acceleration or power loss.
Grinding noise
The chain of reaction of the metal shavings usually results from poor engine lubrication. When the oil becomes contaminated with metal shavings, it further affects the proper engine lubrication. When the engine is poorly lubricated, you may begin to hear the engine components grinding against each other as the engine is running.
Engine knock
Running your engine with low or contaminated oil could damage your engine. The improper lubrication of the engine and unabated friction between its components would ultimately cause the engine’s failure.
Reduced fuel efficiency
Adequate lubrication of the moving parts increases your engine performance and helps it run more efficiently. When the metal shavings contaminate your oil, it hinders the effective lubrication of your engine, causing it to consume much more gas than it usually would.
While the reduced fuel economy could have resulted from contaminated engine oil and poor lubrication, a faulty engine could also cause the problem.
How to Prevent Metal Shaving in your Porsche’s oil
The best way to prevent metal shavings in your oil is through regular service and maintenance. You want to practice routine inspections and regular oil changes. You also want to ensure that you are proactive and attend to any of the symptoms discussed above promptly.
DART Auto for your Porsche Service and Repairs
Your Porsche is a high-performance vehicle 
that requires quality service to match its level of performance. At DART Auto, we offer Denver’s most comprehensive service programs for European vehicles, including your Porsche. We understand that German cars are complex machines that require precision and accuracy, which is why we ensure that our shop is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment and specialty tools. We offer comprehensive service without compromising on quality.
When you visit DART auto, you will have a master technician handling your car. We proudly help drivers throughout the Denver area and surrounding cities like Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, and Littleton. We also offer loaner cars for you to continue going about your daily routines while we take the time needed to take proper care of your car. Call us today!
