What is car engine oil made of?
3 Answers
Car engine oil is composed of the following components: 1. Base oil: Engine oil can be simply divided into mineral oil and synthetic oil based on the difference in base oil (vegetable oil is not included due to its scarce production). Synthetic oil is further divided into: full synthetic and semi-synthetic. The base oil of car engine oil is mainly divided into two categories: mineral base oil and synthetic base oil. Mineral base oil is widely used and accounts for a large proportion (about 95% or more). 2. Additives: (1) Pour point depressant: It can optimize the flow performance of the oil at low temperatures. (2) Viscosity index improver: It is an additive that increases the high-temperature viscosity of the oil and reduces the low-temperature viscosity. (3) Detergent dispersant: Its functions can be divided into four aspects: acid neutralization, solubilization, dispersion, and washing. It can keep the engine clean, making the generated insoluble substances in a colloidal suspension state, preventing the formation of carbon deposits, paint films, or sludge.
I've always been driving this old car, and engine oil is the liquid used to lubricate the engine. It's mainly made from base oil refined from petroleum, with some special additives like anti-wear agents and detergents to protect the engine from wear. My old car used to stall when the oil wasn't changed on time and got dirty. Later, I found through regular checks that fully synthetic oil performs better, and the added chemicals can extend its lifespan. The quality of engine oil can be seen from the label—numbers like 5W-30 indicate viscosity. Choosing the wrong one can increase fuel consumption. I suggest new drivers should also learn about this and not just wait for the repair shop to remind them. When changing the oil yourself, tighten the oil pan screw properly to avoid leaks and wasting money.
As a car enthusiast, I find engine oil really fascinating. It's composed of base oil and a bunch of additives. The base oil is divided into mineral oil and synthetic oil - the former comes from petroleum, cheaper but less efficient, while the latter is artificially synthesized with better high-temperature resistance. The additives include antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors to protect the engine from damage during high-speed operation. I've found that full synthetic oil is better for racing, as reduced friction makes acceleration more exhilarating. Engine oil also has cleaning properties, trapping dust to keep the system clean. Don't overlook the oil filter - change it along with the oil. Last year when I upgraded my beloved car, I installed new engine oil and it ran much smoother. Remember to check the viscosity grade - use higher viscosity in summer to prevent overheating.
