What are the main components of engine oil?
4 Answers
Engine oil is primarily composed of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties; additives, on the other hand, compensate for and improve the deficiencies in the performance of the base oil, imparting certain new characteristics, making them an essential part of lubricating oil. The following is an introduction to engine oil: 1. Definition of engine oil: Engine oil is the lubricant used in engines, consisting of base oil and additives. 2. Functions of engine oil: As a type of machinery, engines have requirements for lubricants that share common aspects with general machinery, such as the need for appropriate viscosity, certain levels of oxidation resistance, wear resistance, corrosion prevention, and viscosity-temperature characteristics. The density of engine oil is approximately 0.91×10³ (kg/m³), and it serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and cushion vibrations in the engine.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I often hear friends asking about the composition of engine oil. Simply put, engine oil mainly consists of two parts: one is the base oil, which is divided into three types—mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and full synthetic oil. Mineral oil is refined from crude oil and is more affordable; semi-synthetic and full synthetic oils are chemically synthesized, offering better durability and oxidation resistance. The other major component is various additives, including detergents that help remove sludge inside the engine, anti-wear additives that protect pistons and cylinders, and viscosity improvers that ensure smooth oil flow in both cold and hot weather. These components work together to lubricate engine parts, reduce friction, cool the engine, and prevent overheating. I remember when changing oil in winter, synthetic oil flows better, making engine starts much smoother. Choosing engine oil depends on the car's age and condition—older cars can use mineral oil, while newer cars are recommended to use synthetic oil for extended lifespan. During maintenance, oil should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers—don’t delay, or carbon buildup can severely affect performance and even lead to engine damage, which would be costly to repair. Regularly check the oil's color and level to ensure it stays clear; when it turns black, it’s time for a change.
In my car modification circle, everyone always loves to talk about the secret formula of engine oil. The backbone of engine oil is the base oil, which makes up the majority. For example, mineral oil is cheap but has a short lifespan, while synthetic oil is chemically engineered, offering wear resistance and high-temperature tolerance, making it especially friendly to high-performance engines. Additives are the soul—detergents and dispersants handle sludge and carbon deposits, anti-wear agents form a protective film to reduce component wear, antioxidants prevent oxidation and thickening, and viscosity index improvers ensure stable viscosity under extreme temperatures. Why is this important? Because poor lubrication directly leads to increased fuel consumption and engine noise. From my own experience, using the wrong type of oil, such as blindly using full synthetic oil in a small-displacement car, is not only a waste of money but may also be incompatible. Remember, when checking the dipstick, a light yellow color indicates health, while dark brown or black means it's time for a change. Don’t skimp on brands—big names like Mobil or Shell offer more reliable additives. For daily maintenance, change the oil every 5,000 kilometers or so, adjusting based on engine condition. Safety-wise, never ignore the oil warning light; address it promptly to avoid disaster.
I've changed engine oil countless times, and the key is understanding its core components. Engine oil primarily consists of base oils—mineral oil, synthetic oil, etc., with synthetic offering better base performance and stronger cleaning power. Then there's a mix of additives: cleaners that act like scavengers for the engine, anti-wear coatings to protect parts, plus viscosity modifiers to prevent the oil from thinning or thickening wildly with temperature changes. From practical experience, the right additive combo can cut engine noise in half and reduce friction heat. I recommend car owners check the dipstick monthly—top up if low, change if black. Money-saving tip: mineral oil is sufficient for older cars, no need to splurge; new cars can go half a year on a full synthetic. For daily driving, remember 5,000 km as the change interval—shorten it for heavy city traffic. Neglecting oil can lead to cylinder scoring or seizure, with repairs costing at least a few hundred bucks—routine maintenance is cheaper peace of mind. Safety first: don't ignore the warning light.
