What is engine oil made of?

[Devin]

Lubricating oil is generally composed of two parts: base oil and additives. The following are related introductions: 1. Lubricating base oils are mainly divided into two categories: mineral base oils and synthetic base oils. Mineral base oils are widely used and consumed in large quantities (about 95% or more), but in some applications, products made from synthetic base oils must be used, leading to the rapid development of these two types of base oils. 2. Mineral base oils are refined from crude oil. The main production processes of lubricating base oils include: atmospheric and vacuum distillation, solvent deasphalting, solvent refining, solvent dewaxing, and clay or hydrogenation supplementary refining. In 1995, China's current lubricating base oil standard was revised, mainly modifying the classification method and adding two special base oil standards for low pour point and deep refining. For the production of mineral lubricating oils, the most important factor is selecting the best crude oil. 3. Additives are the essence of modern high-grade lubricating oils. Proper selection and reasonable addition can improve their physical and chemical properties, endow the lubricating oil with new special properties, or enhance certain properties it originally had to meet higher requirements.

[Adelyn]

I've been driving for over twenty years and found that engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine. Engine oil mainly consists of two parts: one is the base oil, which can be either mineral or synthetic. Mineral oil is refined from crude oil, cheaper but has a shorter lifespan, while synthetic oil is chemically synthesized, more resistant to high temperatures and has better fluidity. The other part is additives, a bunch of chemical stuff, like detergents to prevent carbon buildup, dispersants to stop sludge accumulation, anti-wear agents to reduce component friction, antioxidants to extend oil life, and some anti-rust and anti-corrosion agents. I've tried many brands and found that synthetic oil starts the engine faster in winter and runs smoother in summer. Remember to change the oil regularly, generally recommended every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers, otherwise the additives will fail, and engine wear can become dangerous. Never skimp on cheap oil; good engine oil makes your car last longer and saves fuel.

[SkylarDella]

As an amateur car enthusiast, I enjoy disassembling engines for research. Engine oil is essentially a blend of two components: base oil and additives. There are three types of base oils: mineral oil is the cheaper option processed from crude oil, while semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils are more advanced. Full-synthetic oil is chemically engineered to withstand higher temperatures. Additives come in a wide variety, such as zinc-based anti-wear agents to protect bearings and gears, calcium-based detergents to clean piston ring deposits, polyisobutylene dispersants to keep contaminants suspended and prevent oil passage clogging, and viscosity index improvers to ensure stable lubrication in both cold and hot conditions. This combination is designed to combat engine wear, heat, and contaminants. After switching to synthetic oil, my engine noise reduced significantly. When choosing oil, always check the API rating to ensure quality reliability.

[MaryAnn]

I'm particularly concerned about driving safety, and engine oil is as vital as blood. It's not a single substance but a mixture of lubricants. Primarily composed of base oils that provide lubrication, it also contains various additives to enhance performance. For instance, anti-wear additives reduce friction and prevent excessive engine wear; detergents clean internal deposits; and rust inhibitors protect metal parts from corrosion. These components ensure smooth engine operation and prevent malfunctions. For me, the details of the composition are complex, but the key is using the right specification of oil and maintaining regular service to avoid failures—safety always comes first.

[Correia]

As an experienced driver, I'm used to the cost-effectiveness of engine oil, which has evolved from simple lubrication to complex chemical formulations today. It mainly consists of base oil and additives: base oils include mineral and synthetic oils, while additives comprise detergents for cleaning, dispersants to prevent clogging, and anti-foaming agents to reduce foam affecting lubrication. Having tried various oils, I found semi-synthetic oils offer the best value. Too few additives lead to carbon buildup in the engine, while too many waste money. Nowadays, environmental protection is emphasized, with biodegradable components in organic oils and better recycling practices. Remember, regular oil changes and vehicle inspections save the most money in the long run.