At what temperature does engine oil burn?
3 Answers
Engine oil burns at around 200 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too low, it is not conducive to combustion and affects power output. If the temperature is too high, it affects sealing performance, so the temperature needs to be properly controlled. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the relative sliding surfaces of pistons and cylinders, main shafts and bearing bushes to reduce wear. 2. To bring heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator to cool. 3. To bring carbides, sludge, and worn metal particles back to the oil tank through circulation, cleaning the working surfaces of parts. 4. To form a seal between piston rings and pistons, reducing gas leakage and preventing contaminants from entering. 5. To adsorb on the surfaces of parts, preventing water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases from coming into contact with the parts. 6. To cushion the impact load on pistons, piston chips, connecting rods, and crankshaft bearings.
I've been driving for nearly twenty years and often discuss car maintenance with friends. Oil burning is actually quite a common issue. In reality, the ignition point of engine oil typically ranges between 250°C and 400°C, depending on the type—synthetic oil has a higher ignition point, reaching over 400°C, while mineral oil is lower, becoming risky around 250°C. Engine overheating is the main culprit, whether due to a faulty cooling system or prolonged high-speed driving in traffic jams. Once temperatures soar above 150°C, the oil film thins and becomes prone to ignition. Once, my car started smoking after shutting off, and I later discovered it was due to aged oil lines leaking, causing localized overheating and spontaneous combustion. I recommend regular oil changes and coolant checks—don’t wait until it burns to regret it, as safety risks are high and repairs costly. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge to avoid exceeding 90°C during daily drives, and stick to regular maintenance—it saves a lot of trouble.
As a young car enthusiast, I love studying automotive performance data, and the combustion temperature of engine oil is indeed not fixed. It typically starts at over 200 degrees Celsius, but complete combustion requires temperatures above 300 degrees—such as when the engine block overheats or the oil pan has severe carbon buildup. I often modify cars and have tested engine oil performance under different conditions: synthetic oil can withstand up to around 350 degrees, while older mineral oil may lose control at just 250 degrees. The key is preventing engine overheating; otherwise, oil circuit short circuits or fan failures can lead to temperature exceeding limits and causing a fire. I recommend using high-quality engine oil and not delaying oil change intervals. In summer, pay attention to ventilation and avoid long-distance driving on extremely hot days. These small habits save money and ensure safety.
