What are the functions of the lubrication system?

[VonCharlotte]

The functions of the lubrication system: 1. Lubrication: Engine oil forms an oil film between moving parts, reducing friction resistance and power loss; 2. Cooling: The fluidity of engine oil carries away part of the heat from engine components, preventing overheating and damage; 3. Cleaning: Circulating engine oil carries away metal particles generated during engine operation, preventing the formation of abrasives between parts that could increase wear; 4. Sealing: The viscosity of engine oil allows it to adhere to the surfaces of moving parts, improving sealing effectiveness and reducing air leakage; 5. Anti-rust: The lubricating oil film adheres to metal surfaces, separating air and water, providing anti-rust and anti-corrosion effects.

[DelMaverick]

The core function of the lubrication system is akin to infusing protective fluid into the engine's vascular system. It forms an oil film between metal components to reduce friction and wear—for instance, the crankshaft and bearings rely entirely on engine oil to separate them during high-speed operation. Cooling is another critical role, as the intense heat generated by piston friction is dissipated by the oil; without this, cylinder scoring could occur in minutes. The circulating oil also carries away metal shavings and sludge, preventing oil passage blockages. In terms of sealing, the oil film fills the gaps between piston rings and cylinder walls, improving compression efficiency and naturally optimizing fuel consumption. Additionally, it prevents rust and corrosion on metal parts, extending the engine's lifespan. A reminder: regularly change engine oil and filters, as excessive sludge buildup can compromise even the most expensive engines.

[McAlex]

Dry running an engine is absolutely unacceptable! Last time I saw someone forget to add oil before starting, it started smoking within ten minutes. The primary task of the lubrication system is to prevent metal-on-metal contact. Crankshaft bearings rotate dozens of times per second—without an oil film for protection, they’d be ruined instantly. I always compare engine oil to the 'blood transport team' of the engine—its continuous flow carries away over 60% of friction heat, reducing piston crown temperatures from 300°C to a manageable range. More crucially, it absorbs acidic byproducts and carbon deposits from combustion, minimizing cylinder wall corrosion. Ever seen an old car’s drain plug covered in metal shavings? That’s undeniable proof of failed oil cleaning function. By the way, new car owners should note that low-viscosity oils like 0W-20 can save 5% fuel—less resistance in the oil pump naturally reduces effort.

[MacIsabela]

The mechanic said engine oil is like the airbag for an engine. Its most basic function is anti-wear – when the camshaft pushes against the valve rocker arm, without the oil film as a buffer, it's like hammering a nail. The cooling function is often overlooked, especially for turbocharged cars that heavily rely on oil for heat dissipation. I've seen cases where oil temperatures exceeded 140°C causing bearing deformation. The sealing effect manifests in piston rings – the oil film fills gaps to improve cylinder pressure, helping direct injection engines save some fuel. Modern full synthetic oils contain detergent dispersants that carry away carbon deposits and sludge during engine circulation, protecting precision oil passages. As a side note, those who frequently take short trips should shorten their oil change intervals, as moisture mixing with oil can cause emulsification.

[OmarFitz]

The lubrication system is like putting a liquid undershirt on the engine. First, there's physical isolation: when the crankshaft rotates at 3,000 rpm, the bearing surface withstands 2 tons of pressure, all supported by a 0.001mm oil film. Second is the cooling function—piston ring friction temperatures exceed 200°C, with engine oil carrying away over a thousand joules of heat per minute, more directly than the radiator. The sealing aspect is ingenious—the oil film coats the piston rings to fill cylinder wall gaps, improving compression efficiency by 10% in diesel engines. Don't overlook its pollution control capability—modern oil's TBN (Total Base Number) neutralizes sulfides to prevent cylinder acid corrosion. Just repaired an engine clogged with sludge—oil pump starvation caused dry grinding of the camshaft, with repair costs nearly half the price of a new car.