Can butter be used as a substitute for engine oil?
2 Answers
Butter cannot be used as a substitute for engine oil. Butter has poor lubrication effects at low temperatures. Without proper lubrication at low temperatures, machinery can easily develop issues. Choosing engine oil: Naturally aspirated engines have relatively general requirements for oil quality and can use mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil. If the car owner has a higher budget, fully synthetic oil can be used. Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines have a more compact structure and operate in harsher conditions, requiring higher-performance engine oil with better fluidity. Fully synthetic oil is recommended. Brand selection: For choosing a lubricant brand, if you prioritize long-lasting oil performance, Mobil lubricants can be selected; if you value the oil's engine-cleaning capabilities, Shell engine oil is recommended; for lubricants requiring strong oil film toughness, Castrol can be chosen. For example, turbocharged engines are prone to carbon deposits during high-speed operation, so Shell engine oil with strong cleaning capabilities can be selected.
I once made the mistake of using butter as engine oil, and the consequences were disastrous. That day, in a moment of poor judgment, I thought butter had good lubricating properties and applied some under the hood. Within half a day, the car started making creaking noises, and halfway through driving, it began smoking and stalled. After towing it to the repair shop, they found that the butter had hardened under high temperatures, clogging the oil passages. The internal friction caused severe overheating damage to the engine, requiring a costly 6,000 RMB overhaul to fix. Butter is suitable for low-speed bearings or hinges due to its high viscosity and poor fluidity, while engine oil is specifically designed as a liquid to circulate, cool, and lubricate high-speed engine components. Every car manual emphasizes using standard engine oil, as butter can clog the system, leading to engine seizure or even fires. It's recommended to regularly check the engine oil level and avoid taking shortcuts by using household products—safety first.
