Can Engine Oil Catch Fire?
2 Answers
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.
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.
