What is engine oil and what is its use?
Engine oil is one of the key and essential components in the correct and optimal operation of internal combustion engines. This substance, as a lubricant, plays a vital role in reducing friction between the moving parts of the engine and also helps prevent wear and reduce heat. Without the right engine oil, the engine will suffer increased wear, breakdown and reduced lifespan.
In this article, we will examine the structure, types and performance of engine oil as well as its importance in the maintenance and performance of car engines.
Functions and uses of engine oil?
Engine oil performs several important functions in the engine, including:
Lubrication: The most important function of engine oil is to reduce friction and wear between the moving parts of the engine. This is done by creating a thin layer between the metal parts that prevents them from coming into direct contact with each other.
Cooling: Engine oil helps to maintain the desired temperature of the engine by absorbing the heat produced by combustion and friction inside the engine. This heat is then transferred to the outside of the engine, reducing excess heat.
Cleaning: Engine oil removes fine particles, pollution, dust and metal particles produced in the combustion process and removes them from the engine circuit with the help of an oil filter.
Sealing: Engine oil helps to seal the small spaces between the pistons and the cylinder wall, preventing combustion gases from leaking. This helps to increase the pressure inside the cylinder and improve the engine performance.
Corrosion Protection: Engine oil contains additives that help protect engine parts from corrosion and rust. This is especially important when the engine is left unused for a long period of time.
Structure and composition of engine oil
Motor oil generally consists of two main components:
Base oil: About 70 to 90 percent of the engine oil composition is base oil. This oil can be mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. Mineral base oils are obtained from refining crude oil, while synthetic oils are produced synthetically from chemical compounds. Synthetic oils usually perform better at very high or very low temperatures.
Additives: Additives are special chemicals that are added to motor oil to improve certain properties such as increasing resistance to oxidation, cleaning, preventing corrosion and improving viscosity properties. Some of these additives are: anti-wear additives, anti-corrosion additives, cleaners and viscosity index improvers.
Types of engine oil
Motor oils are generally divided into three main categories:
Mineral Oils: These types of oils are obtained from refining crude oil and are suitable for use in normal conditions. Mineral oils are cheaper than synthetic oils but perform less well at high or low temperatures.
Synthetic Oils: These oils are chemically produced and have better properties than mineral oils. They perform better at more extreme temperatures and are usually recommended for high-end engines or severe working conditions.
Semi-Synthetic Oils: These oils are a combination of mineral and synthetic oils and have the characteristics of both types. They are a mid-range option between price and performance.
Choosing the right engine oil
To choose the right engine oil for your car, you should pay attention to various factors:
Car type and model: Car manufacturers usually recommend a specific type of oil in the car manual. These recommendations are based on engine design and requirements.
Climatic conditions: In areas where the temperature is very low or very high, oils with the appropriate viscosity for those conditions should be used.
Driving style: Driving in heavy traffic, at high speed or with heavy loads can require more specific oils.
Engine oil change
Changing the engine oil on time is one of the most important measures to maintain the health and optimal performance of the engine. Over time, engine oil loses its quality and cannot perform its tasks well. For this reason, it is necessary to change the engine oil according to the recommendations of the car manufacturer at certain intervals or kilometers.
conclusion
Engine oil is a vital substance for the proper functioning of the car engine. This substance plays an important role in lubrication, cooling, cleaning and protecting the engine against wear and corrosion. Choosing the right oil and changing it on time can significantly increase the useful life of the engine and improve its performance.
