Used Cars: engine oil, healthy oil, chocolate milk

Question
hi i have an easy question. when looking at used cars i took a look at the dipstick to check the oil. it was kinda brown. what color should it be if the car has healthy oil? thanks

Answer
The oil should be a little brown in color. You don't want it to be black, black oil means it hasn't been changed in quite a while. The most important thing to look for is moisture in the oil. If the oil on the dipstick looks "milky" like chocolate milk or seems foamy than the engine has a problem internally that has allowed coolant or water to get into the oil. If you see anything like that "pass" on that vehicle.  Good luck and don't worry about oil that is "kinda brown" that is normal. Brand new oil looks like Tea.  Thanks for you question. Shane