Motor oil is one of the most essential working fluids in a vehicle. Lubrication supports the engine's operability, protecting it from adverse external factors. If you place the car on a stand for engine repair and check the technical condition of the unit, you can see that all internal cavities are covered with an oil film. In this article, we will discuss the specific tasks that lubrication performs in an automotive engine and why it is important to replace it in a timely manner.
Five Main Functions of Motor Oil
Manufacturers of automotive fluids carefully develop the composition of motor lubricants to effectively carry out the following tasks:
- Lubrication of surfaces. When metal parts rub against each other, they experience significant wear. To prevent this, lubricants are poured into the engine. It evenly distributes itself over all contacting surfaces and forms a durable thick film on them. This coating reduces friction and slows down the wear of mechanisms.
- Corrosion protection. Most metals are susceptible to corrosion, and the alloys from which the automotive engine is made are no exception. The oil film is intended to neutralize oxidative processes and prevent the formation of rust. It also protects the metal from direct contact with chemically aggressive substances.
- Cooling. For the normal operation of the engine, it is important that its temperature remains within acceptable limits. Along with the vehicle's cooling system, oil helps maintain this temperature. This is especially crucial for components such as connecting rod and main bearings, the crankshaft, and the cylinder-piston group.
- Cleaning. Modern motor oils contain cleaning additives that effectively remove contaminants from channels. This ensures uninterrupted circulation of lubrication through internal cavities. The impurities and contaminants collected by the oil later settle on the special filter.
- Filling gaps between elements of the cylinder-piston group. The parts of this assembly interact constantly. To prevent scoring and other defects on their surfaces during increased loads or cold starts, the gaps between them must always be filled with lubrication.
Why It Is Important to Change Motor Oil on Time
During engine operation, the lubrication gradually depletes, becomes contaminated, and loses its original protective and antioxidant properties. It is critical not to miss the moment when this working fluid needs to be replaced. Typically, the procedure is carried out during each scheduled maintenance of the vehicle. However, if the oil level has dropped below normal or the oil on the dipstick appears dark and contains numerous impurities, it should be changed as soon as possible. Accelerated depletion of lubrication can be associated with specific operating conditions: the vehicle often sits in traffic, is driven in an aggressive manner, or mainly travels short distances.