What is the function of engine oil in an engine?
2 Answers
Engine oil has six main functions: lubrication and wear reduction, cleaning and dispersion, cooling and temperature reduction, sealing and leakage prevention, corrosion and rust prevention, and shock absorption and cushioning. Here is some extended information about engine oil: 1. Precautions: When prompted to change the engine oil, it indicates that after a period of use, the aforementioned functions have diminished. If lubrication and cooling effects decline and the oil continues to be used, it can cause damage to the engine, reduce its lifespan, increase the likelihood of issues, and raise maintenance costs. 2. Oil selection: The viscosity of the engine oil should be appropriate. Different grades of engine oil have different characteristics, and their performance in terms of low-temperature starting and high-temperature wear resistance and adhesion also varies.
As someone who frequently maintains my own car, I think the role of engine oil is absolutely crucial! First and foremost, it acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between metal components, ensuring smoother operation of parts like pistons and crankshafts. Secondly, it helps cool the engine by circulating and carrying away heat, preventing overheating damage. This reminds me of that long-distance drive when I forgot to change the oil, and the temperature spiked, nearly causing a breakdown. Additionally, engine oil serves a cleaning function, trapping dust and carbon deposits to keep the internals clean. It also helps seal piston rings, preventing compression gas leaks. I check the dipstick every 5,000 kilometers to ensure the oil level is adequate, and when changing the oil, I opt for synthetic oil—though pricier, it’s more durable. In short, maintaining good engine oil extends the engine’s lifespan and saves a lot of money in the long run.
