It cannot function properly unless it is lubricated. A significant amount of importance is placed on an engine’s lubrication.
Whether it runs on gasoline or diesel, an internal combustion engine is comprised of hundreds of moving parts, each of which has precisely defined properties.
Because of this, many of them rub against one another, which, in the absence of a lubricating agent, would cause extensive damage. The correct engine oil is required to guarantee adequate lubrication.
Which components of the engine call for a lubricant to be applied?
Lubrication is essential for the parts of the engine that come into direct contact with one another, such as the camshaft and the valves, the crankshaft and the connecting rods, the bearings, and the piston rings that run along the cylinder wall.
It is important to note at this point that these components are designed with a “sliding seat.” This indicates that when the engine operates at its average temperature, all features are in constant contact and do not transmit the forces acting simultaneously.
When exposed to cold, metals shrink, but when heated, they expand. Because of this, the engine’s parts have some room to move when it is cold.
When this happens, older automobiles’ valves and hydraulic tappets can make tinkling noises.
When the engine has reached its operating temperature, all the components will have expanded to the point where they are close enough to touch the sliding seat.
It is crucial to have good oil while the engine is cold.
In the interim, the role played by engine oil is particularly important. Oil will start to build up in the oil pan’s sump when the engine is cold.
As the temperature continues to fall, the oil will become more viscous. The term for this in the technical language is “viscosity reducing.”
Even at shallow temperatures, the quality of the oil must allow it to remain liquid enough to be pumped quickly through the engine and reach all of the potential points of friction.
What role does lubrication play in the process?
A distinctive quality can be found in engine components that are subjected to friction. They have been toughened up.
When a part that has already been molded needs to be made more durable, it is first brought to a temperature close to the melting point, then rapidly cooled in an oil bath.
Because of this, the surface is significantly more durable and resistant to abrasion. However, destruction is just around the corner once this hardened layer of protection has been worn away. The components inner is flexible despite its tough exterior.
The hard layer extends only a fraction of a millimeter below the surface. If it gets the right quantity of lubrication, it will continue to function for thousands of kilometers.
It will suffer damage beyond repair within a few hundred meters if it does not have it.
Why does good oil have to be so expensive?
In general, the oil will never be downright awful; rather, it will only be more or less beneficial for the particular task it was designed for.
When it comes to cars, it is not just the grade of the oil that is important; how you drive the vehicle and how often you get it serviced are of far greater significance.
Using a Longlife motor oil improperly will cause more harm to the engine than using a less expensive oil that is changed more frequently.
Nevertheless, when shopping for motor oil, it is essential to keep a certain level of quality in mind.
The results of two distinct motor oil investigations, one by the German journal “Auto Motor Sport” and the other by the German organization “GTÜ,” were remarkably similar.
In most cases, costly oils do not offer a decisive advantage over more affordable alternatives. Both the lubricating capacity and the thermal behavior were almost precisely the same.
The testers agree on one more thing, which is that there are two different factors that should be prioritized when buying motor oil.
Essential characteristics of motor oil when shopping for motor oil, using only products that the manufacturer authorizes is the single most important thing to keep in mind.
The automakers publish a list of lubricants and greases appropriate for the vehicles they produce.
They also indicate whether or not the oil in the oil drums is suitable for use. In addition to the more common terms for viscosity and temperature, such as 5W-30, 15W-40, etc, there are specific codes printed on the containers that need to correspond with the indications provided by the manufacturers.
In this situation, it is very tempting for the “black sheep” to print a corresponding authorization on the containers themselves simply.
This would be a straightforward way to circumvent the system. The process of marketing products of questionable quality has been made much easier by the internet’s role in facilitating free trade worldwide.
The repercussions of utilizing oil of poor quality
Joy was quickly replaced by disillusionment after Toyota presented the so-called “lean-burn engine” more than two decades ago.
These engines were supposed to have a meager fuel consumption rate and require very little maintenance in terms of oil changes.
On the other hand, the truth was as follows: After a few thousand kilometers, the engines had already acquired a completely resinous and muddy appearance.
If we’re lucky, they might be salvageable after undergoing extensive flushing and cleaning. However, due to the mud, a significant number of the engines failed prematurely.
Even today, a poorly designed lubrication system, the use of inferior oil, or the failure to perform required oil changes can have devastating effects.
The production of carbonized oil is particularly problematic about the availability of inexpensive petroleum.
This flaky residue forms when engine oil is burned and accumulates on the pistons and valves of the engine.
One of the effects is still but as if that weren’t annoying enough. If the carbonizing oil escapes containment at any point in time, it has the potential to cause significant damage in another location.
The term “catalytic converter” is what we are referring to here. Because of the component’s honeycomb structure and its fine channels, it is susceptible to unwanted dirt.
It is possible to gradually become clogged, resulting in a reduction in power and, more importantly, a significant increase in the vehicle’s emission values.
Because platinum is still used in catalytic converters today, replacing one of these components is still very expensive.
Another method to save money when shopping
It is possible to save quite a bit of money by purchasing oil wisely rather than risking one’s health using inexpensive white-label oil.
Choosing the appropriate retail establishment is an essential step. A convenience store is the worst possible location to purchase motor oil from.
Drums are typically expensive and cannot be compared to the costs of similar items sold in stores specializing in auto parts and accessories.
Gas stations are typically twice as high compared to the prices at stores.
Buying a larger quantity of motor oil with several friends or acquaintances is a remarkably astute move that should be considered.
Both the volume of the drums and the cost per liter are very significant aspects to consider. Therefore, you can save considerable money if you have enough friends to purchase an entire barrel.
The use of long-life oil is inappropriate
Several years ago, Mercedes-Benz took great pride in promoting the qualities of its engines, which were equipped with Longlife oil and rarely required an oil change.
This is our recommendation: Don’t let yourself be duped by assurances like that. To function correctly, an engine requires high-quality oil that is regularly replaced.
Only a careful oil change using a product of superior quality can ensure that all moving parts of the engine receive the best possible lubrication.
On the other hand, skipping the oil change in favor of adding more oil is a deplorable decision.
When heated for an extended period, the oil loses some stiffness and becomes more fluid. Adding new oil won’t make a difference in this situation.
The lubricating power of liquid oil is significantly lower than that of fresh oil. Additionally, it is simpler to enter the combustion chambers, where the dreaded carbonized oil can form.
It is important to remember to check and, if necessary, replace the air filter.
In conclusion, do not let yourself be deceived by empty assurances.
When it comes to motor oil, the maxim “the more, the better” is not applicable. Purchase drums at the appropriate retail establishments where the drum size will provide you with a favorable price.
You will be able to save a sizeable sum using this method. When shopping for motor oil, it is essential to rely on the information provided by reputable brand-name manufacturers and to steer clear of “premium” products that are sold at extremely high prices.
On the other hand, you should be thorough and generous when it comes to changing the oil. An engine cannot be repaired by motor oil; all it can do is be maintained.
The only solution is to purchase a new version of this pricey component to salvage the engine after the camshaft has become damaged beyond repair.
If you are knowledgeable and diligent, you can postpone this for a considerable time.
