Can Engine Oil Catch Fire?

[StJocelyn]

Under normal circumstances, engine oil will not catch fire when exposed to an open flame if there are no attached substances. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. Engine oil itself is flammable. If combined with other flammable substances, it can easily ignite. Therefore, for safety reasons, it is best to avoid exposing engine oil to open flames. 2. The boiling point of engine oil is generally around 150°C, and the flash point should be 20-30°C higher than the operating temperature of the oil. The choice should be based on the oil's working temperature, as not all vehicle models operate under the same conditions. 3. For oils with the same viscosity, a higher flash point indicates lower volatility, meaning the oil is less likely to catch fire even at higher temperatures. Conversely, if the flash point is too low, it could pose a potential safety hazard.

[VonEden]

With over a decade in auto repair, I've witnessed numerous instances of engine oil catching fire. Whether it's mineral oil or full synthetic, at their core they're petroleum derivatives—light them with a lighter, and they'll burn with a yellow flame and black smoke. If oil drips onto the exhaust during an oil change, the heat from the engine can cause it to smoke and ignite immediately, which is quite hazardous. Workshops strictly prohibit open flames, and oil-soaked rags must be stored separately in metal containers to prevent spontaneous combustion. Always remember to keep away from high-temperature components and ignition sources when changing oil yourself.

[BriannaLynn]

Last time, my curious neighbor uncle poured engine oil on ants, and when he brought a lighter close, flames suddenly shot up, nearly burning his hand. Engine oil is like strong liquor—it looks calm but ignites instantly with an open flame. The experienced mechanic at the repair shop said engine oil can ignite at temperatures as low as 200°C, while car exhaust pipes easily exceed 300°C during operation. So, you have to be extra careful when disposing of used oil—if it drips onto hot components, it can catch fire in an instant. Now, my family always stores waste oil in sealed metal buckets.

[EmeryLee]

The flammability of engine oil depends on its flash point. Mineral oil has a flash point of around 200°C, while full synthetic oil can reach over 230°C. When the ambient temperature reaches the flash point, the oil will ignite upon contact with an open flame. Experimental data shows that 10ml of fully combusted engine oil can generate a flame core temperature exceeding 3000°C. During vehicle maintenance, if oil comes into contact with turbochargers (operating at 600°C) or exhaust manifolds, it can trigger a fire within 0.5 seconds, which is why auto repair shops are mandated to equip fire extinguishers.