What is the Difference Between Mechanical Oil and Hydraulic Oil?
2 Answers
Mechanical oil and hydraulic oil differ in the following aspects: 1. Composition: Mechanical oil is processed from base oil and antioxidants, while hydraulic oil is processed from base oil, antioxidants, anti-wear agents, and anti-foaming agents. 2. Application: Mechanical oil is used in textiles, sewing machines, and various lathes, whereas hydraulic oil is used in automotive transmission systems and mining machinery. The functions of automotive engine oil include lubrication, auxiliary cooling, cleaning, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, shock absorption, and anti-wear. The steps for changing engine oil are: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the undercover, and place a container of about 10 liters beneath the oil drain plug. 2. Unscrew the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, then tighten the oil drain plug after draining and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks. 3. Reinstall the undercover, lower the vehicle, and use a funnel to add oil through the oil filler port.
I've seen quite a few vehicle maintenance cases. Engine oil is primarily used for internal lubrication of automobile engines, helping to reduce friction and dissipate heat, and usually contains detergent additives to handle engine carbon deposits. Hydraulic oil, on the other hand, is specifically used in hydraulic systems like cranes or excavators to transmit power pressure, requiring extreme high-pressure resistance and anti-foaming properties to prevent system failure. Their viscosity requirements also differ—engine oil maintains stability at high temperatures, while hydraulic oil must preserve flow consistency under heavy loads. The crucial point is they cannot be interchanged. I once witnessed a neighbor mistakenly using engine oil in a hydraulic pump, resulting in seal rupture and oil leakage that shut down the machine. Remember, selecting the appropriate lubricant affects equipment lifespan and safety—don't cut corners by mixing them, and always distinguish labels during maintenance.
