Can engine oil be ignited by an open flame?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, engine oil will not burn when exposed to an open flame without any attached materials. Firstly, engine oil generally does not spontaneously combust, but it is inherently flammable. Therefore, if there are attached materials carrying an open flame, it can ignite. For safety reasons, it is advisable to avoid exposing engine oil to open flames. The boiling point of engine oil is typically around 150 degrees Celsius, and its flash point should be 20 to 30 degrees Celsius higher than its operating temperature. The choice of engine oil should be based on its operating temperature, as not all vehicle operating conditions are the same. Given the same viscosity, the higher the flash point of the engine oil, the lower its volatility. This ensures that even at higher temperatures, the oil is less likely to catch fire. If the flash point is too low, it could potentially lead to safety hazards.
Yes, engine oil can indeed be ignited by an open flame. As someone who frequently handles car maintenance, I must remind everyone that engine oil contains hydrocarbons, similar in composition to gasoline, which means it will burn when exposed to a flame. However, its ignition point is relatively high, typically around 200 degrees Celsius, making it much slower to ignite than gasoline. This means if you try to light engine oil directly with a flame, it may not catch fire immediately and may require some heating time. I’ve witnessed cases in repair shops where waste oil was accidentally ignited—such scenarios are extremely dangerous, producing thick black smoke and foul odors. Never attempt such experiments at home or in the garage, as it can easily cause fires and release toxic gases. Oil leaks in the engine bay are also a common fire hazard, so regularly checking your vehicle’s oil condition is crucial. If a leak is detected, clean it up immediately and dispose of it properly, keeping all ignition sources away. Safety first—don’t take unnecessary risks just to confirm common knowledge.
