The 7 Functions of Motor Oil
Advancements in modern engines require motor oil to perform in ways not seen before. From helping increase fuel mileage to preventing serious engine destruction from LSPI, motor oil must perform many jobs during the day.
Do you know what these jobs or ” functions” are? Is synthetic or conventional oil better at completing these functions? These are common questions thought about, but not really understood by the everyday driver. Below we will talk about 7 functions oil must perform. By understanding these functions, you will be better able to choose the best products for your vehicle.
What must a motor oil do?
Modern motor oil is a highly specialized product carefully developed by engineers and chemists to perform many essential functions. Engines can be air or liquid cooled, gas or diesel, have filters or not and most oil is developed for a specific application. Here are 7 functions modern motor oil must do:
1. Minimize friction between components and thereby reducing wear. Oils provide lubrication during “cold starts” and during high temperatures. They leave a thin film on metal parts that prevent wear. Synthetic oils have been shown to leave a better protection film on parts and significantly decrease damage on start up after the engine has sat for a while.
In high temperatures, synthetics reduce volatilization and thinning, thereby giving the engines the proper lubrication. Reduced friction helps prevent oil from degrading and forming sludge. Reducing wear also keeps metal contaminants from circulation in the internals of your engine.
2. Clean and maintain internal cleanliness by suspending contaminants within the fluid or by preventing the contaminants from adhering to components.
3. Cool by reducing heat in moving parts, which lowers the overall operating temperature of the equipment.
4. Motor oil acts as a dynamic seal in locations like the piston ring/cylinder interface.
5. Dampen Shock by cushioning the blow of mechanical shock.
6. Protect Against Corrosion by chemically neutralizing corrosive products or by forming a barrier between the components and the corrosive material.
7. Transfer Energy, Because motor oil is incompressible, it makes an excellent energy-transfer medium, such as when used with hydraulic valve lifters or to actualize components in an engine with variable valve timing.
