Should I Use Grease or Engine Oil for the Chain?

[JaydenLynn]

Check if there is an oil box. If there is an oil box, use engine oil, as the chain passes through the oil box for lubrication. If there is no oil box, grease is better. Next, consider the size and length of the chain. For larger chains, such as those above RS100, or chains longer than 1 meter, use engine oil. For smaller chains, use grease. Relevant information about engine oil is as follows: 1. Introduction: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), has a density of approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³). It serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine. It is often referred to as the "blood" of a car. 2. Composition: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties, while additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, imparting new characteristics. Additives are an important part of lubricating oil.

[DaisyFitz]

I've been riding motorcycles since my teens, so chain maintenance is something I'm very familiar with. Grease is better than engine oil mainly because of its higher viscosity, which prevents it from flinging off. When the chain is running at high speeds or in rainy conditions, engine oil is too thin and gets splattered away quickly, whereas grease adheres longer, protecting the chain from rust and cracks. I check the chain every thousand kilometers—first using a cleaner to remove dirt, then applying lithium-based grease evenly with a brush for good sealing and dust prevention. Chain tension is crucial; too tight accelerates wear, so adjusting the tension is necessary. Lubrication frequency depends on road conditions—apply grease more often if you ride on dirt roads frequently. Remember, chain maintenance isn't just about lubrication; cleaning is the prerequisite. Neglecting it before applying grease is pointless. Although grease requires more manual effort, it's more durable. Engine oil is fine for emergencies but not for long-term use. Smooth chain operation is key to safe riding—details make all the difference.

[DeLucy]

When doing DIY car maintenance at home, I've tried both engine oil and grease for chain lubrication. Engine oil is quick and cheap to apply - just spray it on. Grease requires manual brushing but lasts longer and reduces chain wear. The downside of engine oil is obvious - its high fluidity causes it to fling off at high speeds, leaving the chain dry and noisy. Grease stays put longer, provides better rust protection and attracts less dirt. Never skip chain cleaning - use special degreaser to remove sludge. Old residual engine oil accumulates grime faster, while grease stays cleaner. Lubricate every 500km. In summer heat, grease softens slower. In winter, use thinner engine oil but change it more frequently - grease is more hassle-free overall. Considering all factors, grease offers better value - one application lasts hundreds of kilometers. Chain maintenance should be simple: regular checks suffice. Don't cut corners with cheap products.

[OOlive]

I just started learning how to maintain the chain. My friend said engine oil is easy to apply initially, but grease actually works better. Chain lubricating grease has strong adhesion and doesn't wash off easily, while engine oil is thinner and often needs reapplication. The sprocket runs smoother with better protection when using grease. The first step in cleaning the chain is to remove dirt with a soft brush, otherwise any lubricant will be ineffective. Grease provides longer-lasting rust protection. After lubrication, riding becomes silent, safe, and comfortable. Check the chain tension weekly and tighten if loose. Choosing grease for daily use is reliable.

[ParkerFitz]

Years of driving experience reveal that grease is the top choice for chain issues, far more reliable than oil. Grease's viscosity effectively seals gaps, preventing dust and water ingress, while oil's high fluidity leads to easy sling-off, causing premature chain wear. Grease remains stable across weather conditions—it won't melt in summer or crack in winter, whereas oil fails with temperature fluctuations. Cost-wise, oil seems cheaper initially, but grease, though pricier per application, proves economical long-term due to durability. Never skip chain cleaning—reapply lubrication after washing and maintain every 1,000 km. Don’t neglect tension adjustments either. Attention to these maintenance details ensures safety and longevity.