What is engine oil used for and what are its benefits?
Machines require lubricants for engines to run properly, making engine oil an essential element of every vehicle or equipment engine. But what is engine oil specifically used for and what are its benefits?
What is engine oil for?
Engine oil plays a range of roles within the engine, with countless systems and components relying on it.
Lubrication
The main role of engine oil is to lubricate the engine parts, which are constantly subject to friction – the main cause of wear on engine parts. Lubricants reduce friction and wear, in turn reducing maintenance costs.
Cooling
During combustion, heat from combustion and friction between mechanical parts each cause engine temperatures to rise. Engine oil helps to trap, transfer and release this heat through the lubrication circuit, supplementing the engine coolant, which can only cool certain parts of the engine.
Cleaning
The cleaning power of engine oil is fundamental to engine health. Microscopic deposits consisting of dust or combustion residue build up in the engine as it runs. Without engine oil, this residue would clog the engine and decrease its performance as the flow of engine oil continuously carries these impurities to the oil filter, where they are trapped.
Protection against corrosion
Fuel combustion generates corrosive acids that can damage metal engine parts. The additives within modern engine oils neutralize these acids, reducing the corrosive impact of acids. Nevertheless, when in contact with oxygen, engine oil may oxidize over time, no longer playing its corrosion-inhibiting role. That’s why you should change your engine oil regularly.
Sealing
Engine oil also enhances engine sealing, specifically the pistons and cylinders. It does it by forming a protective layer between the various components, sealing any clearances that may arise.
What are the benefits of engine oil?
There are several benefits to using engine oil.
Keeps engines safe from damage
The key benefit of engine oil is that it stops the need for costly repairs. Without lubrication, engines can become seriously damaged as heat and friction destroy engine parts.
Ensures a longer engine lifespan
By cleaning the engine from deposits and sludge and reducing friction between parts, engine oil prevents the engine from clogging and becoming damaged. It ensures mechanical parts last longer and corrode slower, helping the engine perform better and have an increased lifespan.
Decreases fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
If there is too little engine oil in an engine, the resulting friction lowers its efficiency, increasing fuel consumption, and with high-performance oils, emissions of gases and particulates are further decreased.
Choose the right engine oil to ensure optimum efficiency
Not all engine oils are alike, and it is important to choose an oil that is suited to your vehicle and the local climate conditions to enjoy all the benefits. To choose the right oil, consult your vehicle owner’s handbook or visit LubConsult.
Learn more about engine oil. For more information, contact our team today.
