What to Do Without Lubricating Oil?
3 Answers
Without lubricating oil, you can use glycerin, Vaseline, cooking oil, lard, or essence as substitutes. Introduction to Lubricating Oil: Lubricating oil is a liquid or semi-solid lubricant used in various types of vehicles and mechanical equipment to reduce friction and protect machinery and components. It is generally composed of base oil and additives. Lubricating oil is a technology-intensive product, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, primarily serving functions such as lubrication, cooling, rust prevention, cleaning, sealing, and cushioning. Functions of Lubricating Oil: Friction reduction and wear resistance: Lowering frictional resistance to save energy, reducing wear to extend machinery lifespan, and improving economic efficiency. Cooling: Requires timely dissipation of frictional heat from the machinery. Sealing: Prevents leakage, dust, and gas blow-by. Corrosion and rust prevention: Protects friction surfaces from oil deterioration or external erosion. Cleaning and flushing: Removes deposits from friction surfaces. Stress dispersion and cushioning: Distributes loads and mitigates impacts and vibrations.
That day I was driving my old truck for delivery when the engine suddenly made a screeching noise. Checking the dipstick, I found it dry down to the metal. I immediately pulled over, shut off the engine, and called a friend to bring me some oil. While waiting, I realized how dangerous this was—without lubrication, the piston rings and cylinder walls would grind directly against each other, potentially causing cylinder scoring and engine failure within half an hour. That's why I always keep a small can of oil in the trunk, especially checking oil levels before long trips. If you ever face this situation, don't force the engine to run—head to the nearest repair shop or call for roadside assistance. Never neglect regular oil changes, especially for older vehicles that tend to burn oil more easily, so frequent checks are a must.
Last week, my neighbor's young guy's car broke down on the highway because he forgot to add engine oil. When I helped him check, the crankcase was completely empty, and we had to call a tow truck. A car without lubrication is like a person without blood—gears and bearings directly rub against each other, causing high temperatures and deformation within minutes. Emergency solution? The most important thing is to stop the engine, then use your phone to search for nearby auto parts stores to buy the same type of engine oil. By the way, here’s a tip: after the oil warning light comes on, you can drive at most 10 kilometers—don’t push your luck. During regular maintenance, pay attention to whether there are oil stains under the chassis, as oil leaks can also lead to sudden oil shortage.
