Does engine oil become thinner or thicker with use?
1 Answers
With prolonged use, engine oil tends to become thicker. Here are the reasons for oil thickening: Changes in viscosity modifiers: Most engine oils contain viscosity index improvers. During extended operation, these viscosity modifiers can be sheared, losing their original viscosity and causing the oil's viscosity to decrease to some extent. Oxidation: Engine oil undergoes oxidation within the engine, leading to thickening. Other contaminants: The engine generates significant sludge and impurities during operation, which are dispersed in the oil by detergents and dispersants, resulting in increased viscosity.