What is the function of engine oil?
2 Answers
Engine oil functions: 1. Lubrication to reduce wear: There is rapid relative sliding between the piston and cylinder of the engine, as well as between the main shaft and bearing bush, which can easily cause wear. High-quality engine oil can form a sufficiently thick oil film between the two sliding surfaces to separate the parts, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing wear. 2. Cooling: Engine oil can take heat back to the oil tank and then dissipate it into the air, helping the radiator to cool the engine. 3. Cleaning: Good engine oil can circulate carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles on engine parts back to the oil tank, flushing away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts through the flow of the lubricating oil. 4. Shock absorption: When the pressure at the engine cylinder port rises sharply, the load on the piston, piston chips, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings suddenly increases. This load is transmitted through the bearing lubrication to cushion the impact.
Engine oil has quite a few important jobs. Its main task is lubricating components, especially those metal parts in the engine where friction is particularly intense during operation. I've seen cars that didn't get timely oil changes before - when opened up, they had cylinder scoring, which costs a fortune to repair. It also helps cool the engine by carrying away some of the extreme heat generated during operation. Cleaning carbon deposits is another crucial function, as the oil flushes away all those tiny sludge particles. Many people don't realize its sealing function either - places like piston rings rely on the oil film to maintain airtight seals. If you use low-quality oil or neglect changes, the engine will eventually develop various problems. I usually recommend changing the oil every 7,000-8,000 kilometers or every six months, whichever comes first.
