Can Engine Oil Be Used as Chain Lubricant?

[LaCole]

Yes, but it cannot replace chain lubricant. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. The use of engine oil: Adding engine oil to the chain can provide some lubrication, but in fact, because the engine oil contains iron filings from engine wear, it will accelerate chain wear. Therefore, engine oil cannot replace chain lubricant. 2. The benefits of chain lubricant: In addition to using waste engine oil to lubricate the chain, grease or butter is also applied to the chain. Although grease has strong adhesion and can provide good lubrication, its excessive adhesion causes dust and sand particles to stick to the surface during vehicle operation, leading to significant wear. Therefore, grease is the least suitable for lubricating chains, and it is still necessary to use specialized chain lubricant.

[CarterMarie]

Using motor oil as chain lube? I actually tried that! Last time when my mountain bike chain started squeaking, I lazily poured some leftover 5W-30 motor oil from car maintenance. The result was disastrous – after three days, the chain turned into a black sticky rod covered in dust, and the drivetrain sounded like a creaky tractor. Motor oil is too viscous and easily attracts sand and dust in outdoor conditions, forming an abrasive paste that accelerates chain wear. Later, I spent 80 yuan at the bike shop for proper chain lube. The shop owner shook his head while holding up my grease-clogged chain. I've learned my lesson now – I always keep a small tube of wax-based chain lube in my cycling backpack, switching to wet lube during rainy days. It's much more hassle-free than using motor oil, and most importantly, it won't ruin your bike.

[PaisleyLynn]

Having repaired motorcycles for over a decade, I dread nothing more than customers using engine oil as chain lube. Last week, I worked on a Kawasaki Ninja with a chain so seized it wouldn't turn. Upon disassembly, I found the sprocket teeth worn sharp—the owner admitted to 'maintaining' the chain by dousing it monthly with engine oil. Engine oil's high-temperature properties are utterly wasted on chains; instead, centrifugal force flings it everywhere as grease stains, turning into a mud-collecting nightmare in rain. Proper chain lube must resist fling-off and form a dry protective film. I recommend using dedicated chain spray—apply it, let sit for ten minutes, then wipe off excess for a clean drivetrain with optimal protection.

[SanGianna]

Five years of commuting on a road bike, a lesson learned the hard way: Never use engine oil on your chain! Last year, in a rush, I used engine oil as a quick fix, only to end up with grease splattered all over the rear wheel set. The disc brakes slipped during braking, nearly causing a rear-end collision. The biggest difference between chain oil and engine oil lies in viscosity control. Take Shimano's Green Label wet chain oil, for example—it spreads as thin as water when dripped on your fingers and rubbed, yet it penetrates the chain pins to form a protective layer. For self-maintenance, it's recommended to have three types on hand: dry wax-based oil for daily use, wet oil for the rainy season, and heavy grease for muddy conditions. Clean the chain with degreaser and reapply fresh oil every 200 kilometers to ensure the chain lasts over 8,000 kilometers.