What is the composition of engine oil?
3 Answers
Engine oil is composed of base oil and additives. The functions of engine oil are: 1. To separate the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear; 2. To carry heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator to cool the engine; 3. To circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. The effects of using inferior engine oil in a car are: gum and incompletely burned substances will accumulate on the valves, intake passages, and combustion chambers, affecting the engine's operation and causing engine damage.
As an average car owner, I often pay attention to the composition of engine oil during maintenance. It mainly consists of two parts: base oil and additives. Base oil accounts for the largest proportion, such as mineral oil which is a cost-effective option refined from petroleum, while synthetic oil is a higher-grade artificially manufactured option that provides better lubrication and temperature stability. Additives include detergents to disperse carbon deposits inside the engine, antioxidants to prevent oil from oxidizing and deteriorating under high temperatures, and viscosity improvers to help the oil maintain proper flow in different seasons. Additionally, there are anti-wear additives to reduce friction between metal components and rust inhibitors to protect the engine from rusting. Choosing the right oil composition can significantly extend engine life. For example, after switching to full synthetic oil, I noticed a clear reduction in noise and improved fuel efficiency. Remember, changing the oil every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers is crucial; otherwise, the additives will deplete, and the oil will lose its protective properties.
After years of repairing cars, I've found that the composition of engine oil is particularly important for vehicle maintenance. Simply put, engine oil consists of base oil plus various additives. The primary function of base oil is lubrication—mineral types are economical but offer average performance, while synthetic types cost more but provide better high-temperature resistance. As for additives, there are detergents and dispersants to clean dirt, anti-wear agents to reduce metal wear, anti-foaming agents to prevent bubble formation that leads to lubrication failure, and acid neutralizers to prevent engine corrosion. High-quality engine oil compositions can also adapt to different driving conditions, such as reducing frictional heat at high speeds. I recommend car owners choose the appropriate grade as specified in their vehicle manuals and avoid buying cheap, low-quality oil, as incomplete additives can easily cause internal damage. Timing for oil changes is also crucial, as aged oil can thicken or thin, harming the engine.
