What is Splash Lubrication?
2 Answers
Splash lubrication is a method of lubrication where oil is splashed by moving parts and then carried into the bearings. It has the advantage of a simple structure, which contributes to the lightweight design of the engine. However, splash lubrication often provides insufficient lubrication, especially for bearings. It is difficult to achieve thorough lubrication by merely splashing oil from the outside, particularly in overhead valve engines where the splashed oil cannot reach the components located on the cylinder head. Modern engines mostly adopt pressure lubrication, which involves adding an oil pump to the engine to forcibly supply oil to various lubrication points under pressure. To simplify the engine structure as much as possible, pressure lubrication is typically used in combination with splash lubrication. For example, in engines, pressure lubrication is primarily applied to components such as crankshaft journals and camshafts, while parts like the small end of the connecting rod, cylinder, piston, and rocker arm are lubricated by oil splashed after pressure lubrication.
When I'm driving or repairing cars, I often hear the term 'splash lubrication.' It's essentially a type of engine lubrication method. Simply put, when you start the car, the crankshaft rotates and agitates the oil in the oil pan, causing the oil to splash and coat the parts that need lubrication, such as the pistons and cylinder walls. This system doesn't require an oil pump—it relies entirely on the movement of the components themselves, making it quite primitive. It's more common in older cars, as it's low-cost and easy to maintain, but it works fine when the oil quality requirements aren't high. However, most modern cars have switched to pressure lubrication because splash lubrication becomes insufficient at high RPMs, which can lead to component wear. I've noticed increased engine noise during long drives, possibly due to inadequate lubrication, so it's important to check the oil level and condition promptly. Remember, regular oil changes are key—don't wait until the car has problems to regret it. In short, it saves money and effort but is slightly less efficient. Understanding this can help you better maintain your car.
