What Are the Functions of Engine Oil for an Engine?
2 Answers
Engine oil serves the following functions for an engine: 1. Lubrication: When the engine is running, the oil must be able to flow back and forth to reduce mutual wear between metal components. As the engine temperature rises, the oil must also have an appropriate viscosity, evenly coating each part with an oil film to avoid direct friction between components and reduce the rate of wear. When starting a motorcycle in winter, if the oil viscosity is too high, it can make the crankshaft difficult to move, making it hard to start the engine. The lower the temperature, the thicker the oil becomes, so low-viscosity oil should be used in such conditions. 2. Anti-corrosion: When gasoline burns inside the engine, incomplete combustion produces water vapor and carbon monoxide, leading to carbon deposits in the engine. Once these deposits chemically react with the water vapor in the crankcase, they can cause engine corrosion. Therefore, another function of engine oil is to neutralize these corrosive components.
Engine oil plays a crucial role in the engine. As an ordinary driver, what I feel most is its lubrication function. It coats the surfaces of internal engine components, such as between pistons and cylinder walls, reducing friction and preventing wear, making the engine run smoothly and quietly. The cooling effect is also critical, absorbing combustion heat and carrying it to the oil pan for dissipation, preventing overheating damage, especially during long-distance driving. The cleaning function removes carbon residues and impurities from combustion, preventing carbon buildup and keeping the engine clean. It also seals the cylinder liners to improve compression efficiency and provides anti-rust protection for metal parts, extending their lifespan. Regular oil changes are very important. I use synthetic oil and check it every 8,000 kilometers. If the oil turns black or contains metal particles, it's time to change it. Neglecting oil quality can shorten engine life and increase maintenance costs, so timely maintenance ensures worry-free and cost-effective driving.
