What Damages the Engine the Fastest When Added to Engine Oil?
2 Answers
Adding sugar to engine oil is the most destructive to the engine. When heated, sugar turns into a sticky substance with no lubricating properties, which can quickly cause engine seizure or even total engine failure. Here are some precautions regarding engine oil usage: Viscosity: Higher viscosity does not necessarily mean longer oil life. The lifespan of engine oil depends on engine performance, wear levels, driving conditions, and environmental factors, as well as the oil's quality grade and the presence of anti-wear and high-temperature oxidation additives, rather than its viscosity. Adding Oil Without Changing: Simply topping up oil without replacing it leads to gradual degradation in performance due to contamination and oxidation over time, along with some natural consumption. Only replenishing the oil quantity cannot compensate for the loss of lubrication performance. Continuously adding oil without changing it will result in progressively worse performance.
As a mechanic with twenty years of experience, I can tell you that the fastest way to ruin your engine oil is by adding water. Water and oil simply don't mix. Once water gets in, the oil quickly emulsifies, turning milky white—just like milk—and loses all its lubricating properties. The metal components inside the engine start grinding against each other, producing harsh noises. If this goes on, even for a short while, critical parts like the crankshaft and piston rings will suffer severe wear. I've handled numerous cases where, for example, a car owner worked under the hood on a rainy day, allowing rainwater to drip into the engine. In just half an hour, the engine overheated and stalled. Worse yet, water causes rust, corroding internal systems. The repair costs can be steep, ranging from simple oil and filter changes to a full engine overhaul. So, always perform maintenance in dry weather and avoid splashing water when refilling. Remember, water is the enemy of engine oil—never underestimate it.
