Should I Use Grease or Engine Oil for the Chain?
4 Answers
Check if there is an oil box. If there is, use engine oil, as the chain passes through the oil box for lubrication. If not, grease is a better option. Next, consider the size and length of the chain. For larger chains, such as those above RS100 or longer than 1 meter, use engine oil. For smaller chains, grease is preferable. 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. 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, determining the fundamental properties of the lubricant, while additives compensate for and enhance the performance of the base oil, providing additional functionalities. Additives are an essential part of lubricants.
I've been doing my own vehicle maintenance for nearly twenty years, and chain lubrication is quite a nuanced task. Whether to use grease or oil for the chain depends on the type of chain and the operating environment. Grease has high viscosity—once applied evenly, it can handle heavy loads and resists flinging off, making it particularly suitable for bicycle or motorcycle chains in dry conditions. The downside is that it's difficult to clean and tends to attract dirt. Oil is thinner and easier to apply—just a quick drip will do—making it ideal for quick maintenance, but it’s easily washed away by rain or flung around, leaving oil stains everywhere. Over time, this can accelerate chain wear. My recommendation is to prioritize dedicated chain lubricants, as they strike a balance between viscosity and protection. If no dedicated lubricant is available, grease is better suited for long-distance or heavy-load use. Always remember to thoroughly clean the chain before lubrication to avoid dirt grinding down the components. This simple maintenance routine can significantly extend the chain's lifespan.
As an ordinary person who frequently commutes by bicycle, I've tried both grease and motor oil for chain lubrication. Grease is a bit more troublesome to use, requiring a brush to evenly apply it on the chain, but it offers excellent protection, especially in rain or snow as it doesn't wash away easily. Motor oil is convenient; leftover drops from a home oil change can be used in emergencies, but it attracts dust and tends to fling off, which can be annoying as it dirties pants. I now prefer dedicated chain oil, designed to resist dust and flinging, making rides smooth and effortless. Chain maintenance shouldn't be neglected; clean and lubricate every few hundred kilometers to avoid chain jams or dangerous breaks. Choosing a lubricant depends on daily conditions: grease-based products provide strong protection for city roads, while wet lubricants are more reliable for muddy off-road trails.
At home, I have an old bicycle, and chain maintenance has always been handled simply. Grease is more reliable than oil because its viscosity prevents easy loss, especially since oil tends to get flung off during chain rotation, leading to insufficient lubrication. Although oil is readily available, prolonged use causes dirt buildup on the chain, resulting in creaking noises that compromise riding safety. Regardless of what lubricant you choose, don’t forget to clean the chain first before applying oil and riding off—otherwise, the grime will turn into abrasive paste, accelerating wear. Regularly check for chain stretch, and replace it promptly if severely deformed—a broken chain causing a crash is no fun.
