Can regular engine oil burn?

[DeJayce]

Engine oil itself does not burn. Without any attached materials, it won't ignite even when exposed to an open flame. However, if flammable items are contaminated with engine oil, they can easily catch fire. For safety reasons, it's best to avoid exposing engine oil to open flames. The engine oil inside a vehicle won't burn because combustion in the engine cylinder won't ignite the oil. In current internal combustion engines, diesel engines rely on piston compression for ignition, while gasoline engines use spark plugs. However, both require fuel combustion to generate power. After fuel ignition, piston rings separate the high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gases in the cylinder from the engine oil passages, preventing oil from entering the combustion chamber.

[SanDelilah]

As a young man who drives frequently, I can share my perspective: regular engine oil is indeed flammable. Engine oil is primarily made from petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, which are somewhat similar in nature to gasoline, so it can catch fire when exposed to an ignition source under the right conditions. For example, during car repairs, if oil accidentally drips onto hot engine components or near an open flame, it can ignite instantly—which is quite dangerous. However, in engine design, oil is meant for lubrication, not as fuel. If it burns accidentally, it produces thick black smoke, a pungent odor, and may damage engine components. In real life, I've seen some friends try to burn used oil to dispose of waste, but that pollutes the environment and poses a fire hazard. So, I recommend everyone take safety precautions when working in the garage—avoid smoking or open flames—and regularly check oil levels to prevent leaks. Remember, while engine oil is flammable, safety should always come first.

[VonCaleb]

Regarding the question of whether ordinary engine oil can burn, as someone with extensive driving experience, I must say it absolutely can. Engine oil is derived from petroleum-based components and can ignite under high temperatures, much like diesel fuel. Over my many years of driving, I've witnessed cases where engine oil leaked after accidents and caught fire, which was truly terrifying. Burning engine oil not only produces large amounts of harmful black smoke but may also lead to explosion risks or environmental pollution. For safety reasons, I remind everyone to be extremely cautious during vehicle maintenance: never check the oil tank while the engine is running, and avoid spilling oil in flammable areas. After replacing old engine oil, do not attempt to dispose of it by burning; instead, take it to a professional recycling facility. During routine maintenance, pay attention to the condition of the engine oil—if there's a leak, clean it up promptly to reduce fire hazards.

[KylieDella]

From a basic scientific perspective, conventional motor oil is combustible. Its hydrocarbon-based structure allows it to oxidize and release thermal energy under high temperatures. In automotive engines, rising oil temperatures accelerate molecular activity, making ignition possible upon contact with sparks. However, engine oil is not designed for combustion purposes - doing so would lead to carbon buildup, blue exhaust smoke, and excessive emissions. I've noticed many car owners overlook this fact, focusing solely on lubricity while ignoring potential fire hazards. It's advisable to regularly inspect the oil cooling system to prevent overheating, and avoid unnecessary risks like attempting to use motor oil for campfire ignition - that's dangerously ill-advised.