What is the analysis of the causes of engine oil deterioration?
2 Answers
Engine oil deterioration can be attributed to the following causes: 1. When engine oil mixes with water, its viscosity decreases and metal corrosion occurs; 2. During the use of oxidized oil, high compressor discharge temperatures can lead to oxidative degradation, particularly affecting the chemical stability of refrigeration oil, making it more prone to deterioration; 3. Contamination with impurities during the storage, transportation, or addition of refrigeration oil; 4. Mixing refrigeration oil of different grades. Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the primary component of lubricating oil, determining its fundamental properties, while additives compensate for and enhance the deficiencies in base oil performance. Engine oil can be categorized into diesel engine oil and gasoline engine oil.
As someone who has driven for many years, I've seen quite a few cases of oil degradation. The main culprit is the high-temperature environment inside the engine that causes rapid oil oxidation. Over time, it thickens and even turns black. Additionally, contaminants like dust or metal particles can pollute the oil, especially for vehicles frequently driven on dirt roads. I remember once forgetting to change the oil and exceeding the recommended mileage by thousands of kilometers—the oil became sticky and severely damaged the engine, costing me a fortune in repairs. Another critical issue is water contamination. Engine condensation or leaking seals due to aging can allow water to mix in, emulsifying the oil and reducing its lubricating effectiveness. I recommend regularly checking oil levels and color, and changing it on schedule as per the manual—don't wait until your car breaks down like I did. On hot days during long trips, it's best to take breaks to let the engine cool and prevent oil breakdown. From a maintenance perspective, degraded oil also increases emissions and harms the environment, so don't skimp on these maintenance costs.