Can butter be used as a substitute for engine oil?

[VanAlex]

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.

[LaGabrielle]

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.

[DiKennedy]

As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I understand the fundamental differences between grease and engine oil. Grease is a semi-solid lubricant that tends to melt under high engine temperatures, losing its lubricity or hardening, which leads to increased friction and rapid component wear. Engine oil, on the other hand, is a liquid formulation capable of dispersing heat and removing impurities through circulation. Through testing, I've found that grease fails above 150 degrees, whereas modern engine oils can withstand much higher temperatures. It's crucial to choose SAE-certified engine oil to ensure smooth flow and engine protection. Grease should only be used in static or low-speed areas. Incorrect substitution increases the risk of malfunctions, damaging piston rings or oil pumps, and repairs can be extremely costly. Always follow the manual and use professional products.

[StJaxon]

I've seen a friend suffer severe consequences from doing this. His car was low on oil, so he casually applied grease as a temporary fix. The engine quickly overheated and seized, costing over two thousand in towing and repairs. Grease isn't a flowing liquid—it clogs narrow gaps and jams rotating components. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your motor, circulating to lubricate and cool. Remember to check the dipstick; change the oil when it turns yellow. Grease is only suitable for slow-moving parts like door handles.

[JuliaLee]

From a cost-saving perspective, butter is cheap but costly. A bottle of butter costs just a few dollars, but once used in an engine, it can lead to increased friction and wear, potentially causing piston seizure or cylinder damage, with repair costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. In contrast, regular engine oil changes every 5,000 kilometers cost only a few hundred dollars, offering better engine protection and longevity for a more economical choice. Butter, being a viscous grease, has poor fluidity and is unsuitable for high-speed operation; engine oil flows smoothly and adapts to temperature changes. Using the wrong lubricant not only damages the car but also wastes money. It's advisable to choose the right engine oil brand and avoid cutting corners.

[OHope]

In daily car use, grease and engine oil are as incompatible as salt and water. Grease is a thick paste, ideal for moving joints like garage doors; engine oil flows like blood, designed for high-speed rotating parts inside the engine. The engine requires oil with good fluidity for rapid heat dissipation, while grease solidifies at high temperatures, clogging oil passages and causing engine heat damage. I always remind myself not to mix household lubricants—engines need specialized oil to ensure safety. The consequences of misuse are as severe as substituting glue for a drink.