What is the function of automotive lubricating oil?
2 Answers
Automotive lubricating oil serves the following purposes: 1. Lubrication: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder, as well as between the main shaft and bearing shells. To prevent excessive wear of parts, an oil film needs to be established between these two sliding surfaces; 2. Auxiliary cooling: The oil itself does not have a cooling function. The actual cooling is provided by water or antifreeze outside the engine housing; 3. Cleaning: High-quality oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation, and flush away dirt generated on the working surfaces of parts through the flow of the lubricating oil; 4. Sealing and leakage prevention: The oil can form a seal between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering; 5. Rust and corrosion prevention: Lubricating oil can adhere to the surfaces of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases.
I've been driving for almost ten years and I truly understand the importance of engine oil. It's like the blood of the engine, flowing between metal parts to form a protective film, reducing friction and wear, making the car run smoothly and fuel-efficient. If you don't change the oil for a long time, the engine will accumulate sludge, and metal particles will scratch the cylinder walls. A major overhaul can cost thousands, so I change the oil every 5,000 kilometers on the dot. By the way, engine oil also carries away heat from the engine, preventing overheating and cylinder scoring. In winter, it protects the pistons during cold starts, and in summer, it lubricates the chains in high temperatures—it can save your life in critical moments. Remember to use the right viscosity grade, and even after 100,000 kilometers, your engine can still run like new.
