How Long Does It Take for Engine Oil Mixed with Sugar to Cause Bearing Seizure?
2 Answers
The time it takes for engine oil mixed with sugar to cause bearing seizure is not fixed and depends on various factors such as the amount of sugar added, frequency of car usage, temperature, etc. Causes of Bearing Seizure: When sugar is added to the engine, it can develop a 'chronic heart disease.' As a crystalline substance, sugar does not easily dissolve in engine oil. As the vehicle is driven, the temperature inside the cylinder gradually increases, causing the sugar to melt. This significantly increases the viscosity of the engine oil, leading to 'bearing seizure' in the engine. Engine Maintenance Tips: The quality of fuel greatly affects engine combustion. Poor-quality gasoline can lead to significant carbon deposits and gum formation in the combustion chamber, fuel injectors, intake manifold, and valves, causing issues such as unstable idling and difficulty in acceleration. While driving, pay attention to the indicators on the dashboard, such as the water temperature gauge, oil light, and charging indicator. Address any abnormalities immediately.
I remember once helping a friend fix his car. He randomly added stuff to the engine oil, and the engine seized up not long after driving. That situation is when the bearings get stuck and can't move, mainly because sugar turns sticky in the oil, clogging the oil pump and passages, leading to insufficient lubrication and high-temperature sintering. It's very likely you'll hear abnormal noises within minutes of starting the car, and if you keep driving, it could completely seize up in about half an hour. The key point is this practice is extremely foolish—engine oil is meant to protect engine components, and adding sugar only shortens its life and accelerates damage. I recommend regularly changing genuine engine oil and oil filters, checking the oil level every 5,000 kilometers, and avoiding any foreign substances. Remember, proper maintenance keeps a car running long-term—don’t resort to these shady tricks. Saving small money can cost you big in the long run.