What Does Engine Oil Maintenance Mean?
2 Answers
Engine oil maintenance means: The engine oil needs to be replaced after the car has been driven for a certain mileage. Simply put, engine oil is a type of lubricant for the engine. Since engine components are made of metal, without lubrication, metal-to-metal friction can easily cause damage to the parts. Engine oil has six major functions for the engine: lubrication and wear reduction, cooling and temperature reduction, sealing and leak prevention, cleaning and contamination removal, corrosion and rust prevention, and cushioning and shock absorption. Below is more information about engine oil performance: 1. Lubrication. Under various conditions, the ability of engine oil to reduce friction, minimize wear, and prevent metal sintering is called the lubricating property of engine oil. The viscosity of engine oil is an important indicator for evaluating its lubricating property. 2. Low-temperature operability. The performance of engine oil that ensures easy starting and reliable oil supply in low-temperature conditions is called low-temperature operability. The low-temperature operability of engine oil includes facilitating cold starts and reducing startup wear. 3. Viscosity-temperature characteristics. The property of lubricating oil to change viscosity with temperature fluctuations is called viscosity-temperature characteristics. Good viscosity-temperature characteristics mean the oil's viscosity changes minimally with temperature. The effect of temperature on oil viscosity: as temperature rises, viscosity decreases; as temperature drops, viscosity increases. Adding viscosity index improvers to the base oil can enhance the oil's viscosity-temperature characteristics.
Engine oil maintenance is essentially about regularly changing the engine oil in your car. Having driven for over a decade, I've gained particular insight into this. Engine oil acts like the lifeblood of an engine, continuously circulating to lubricate components, remove carbon deposits, and assist in cooling. After a few thousand kilometers, the oil begins to degrade and darken, significantly reducing its effectiveness. Most vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers, but specifics should always be checked against the manual. During each maintenance session, I make sure the mechanic uses fully synthetic oil with the appropriate viscosity and replaces the oil filter simultaneously. Never skimp on costs or delay this—a neighbor of mine postponed his oil change for six months and ended up spending over twenty thousand on major engine repairs. Also, when changing the oil, it's crucial to inspect the undercarriage for any potential oil leaks—a key detail often overlooked.