The engine is undeniably the most crucial component of a car, and for it to function healthily, engine oil is essential. Engine oil can be considered the “blood” of the vehicle because it ensures the efficient operation of the engine, prevents wear, and extends the engine’s life. Even driving license exams require candidates to have basic knowledge about engine oil, highlighting its importance in vehicle maintenance and operation.
What is Engine Oil?
Engine oil is a substance produced from crude oil, enhanced with special additives to adapt to the engine’s operating conditions. It reduces friction between the engine’s moving parts, thus preventing wear and ensuring a longer lifespan for the engine.
Functions of Engine Oil
- Sealing: Engine oil creates a sealing layer between different parts of the engine, preventing oil from leaking into the combustion chamber.
- Wear Prevention: By reducing friction between engine parts, it prevents wear, ensuring the engine operates smoothly for longer.
- Cooling: It disperses the heat produced during engine operation, preventing the engine from overheating.
- Cleaning: Engine oil cleans accumulated dirt and other foreign substances inside the engine, ensuring efficient operation.
What Happens if Engine Oil Runs Out?
Engine oil is so vital that if it runs out or is insufficient, the engine can suffer serious damage. The lack of oil leads to excessive friction between engine parts, accelerating wear and causing the engine to overheat. In the long term, running an engine without oil can cause it to seize or sustain severe damage.
How to Check Engine Oil?
Checking the engine oil is a simple task that every vehicle owner should perform regularly. This check helps you understand if your engine is working healthily and if the oil level is adequate. Here’s how to check engine oil step by step:
- Vehicle Position: The vehicle should be on a level surface. This ensures an accurate reading of the oil level.
- Engine Condition: It’s important for the engine to be cold. Oil can expand when hot, leading to incorrect measurements.
- Open the Hood: Safely open the hood and locate the engine oil dipstick. The dipstick is usually marked with a yellow, white, or red handle.
- Remove and Clean the Dipstick: Remove the dipstick and clean it with a cloth or paper towel.
- Check the Oil Level: After cleaning, reinsert the dipstick, wait a few seconds, and remove it again. The oil level should be between the marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is low, add oil suitable for your engine to bring the level up to the maximum mark. However, be careful not to overfill.
Regularly checking and maintaining the engine oil level is crucial for the health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. It’s a simple practice that can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your engine.
The Lifespan of Engine Oil
The lifespan of engine oil varies depending on usage conditions and the type of vehicle. As a general rule, it’s recommended to change the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers. However, this interval can vary based on your vehicle’s model, the type of engine, and the fuel used. The most accurate information can be obtained from your vehicle’s user manual or an authorized service center.
Why Does a Vehicle Burn Oil?
Burning oil in an engine can be a sign of various mechanical issues. One of the most common reasons is low engine oil level. Additionally, worn engine rings or damage to intake valves can also cause the engine to burn oil. These issues allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber and burn along with the fuel. If your vehicle is burning excessive oil, it’s important to consult a specialist to identify the source of the problem and carry out the necessary repairs.
How to Prevent Oil Burning?
Preventing your engine from burning oil closely relates to the maintenance and usage of the vehicle. Here are some steps to follow:
Regular Oil Checks and Top-Ups: Periodically checking the engine oil and topping it up with the appropriate oil ensures the oil level is maintained at an optimum level, preventing oil burning.
Preventing Engine Overheating: Overheating can cause damage to internal mechanisms and lead to oil leaks. Therefore, regularly checking the cooling system and paying attention to the temperature gauge is crucial.
Avoiding Prolonged Use at High Revs: Continuously operating the vehicle engine at high revs puts excessive pressure on the engine and can trigger oil burning. This is more pronounced in turbocharged engines.
Careful Use of Turbo Mode: While turbo mode enhances engine performance, it can also increase the risk of oil burning. It’s important not to excessively use turbo mode unnecessarily.
The Importance of Changing Engine Oil
Changing engine oil is an integral part of periodic vehicle maintenance and should not be neglected. Potential problems from not changing the oil include:
Oil Burning: Not changing the engine oil on time can degrade the oil’s quality, leading to oil burning.
Wear and Tear: The oil’s role is to reduce friction between engine parts. Neglecting oil changes can lead to excessive wear and early deterioration of these parts.
Engine Failures: An engine without regular oil changes can eventually lead to serious malfunctions and costly repairs.
Safety Risks: Engine failures increase safety risks during driving and can lead to accidents.
In conclusion, to prevent your engine from burning oil and to ensure the healthy operation of your vehicle, it’s essential to regularly check your engine oil and perform necessary maintenance and changes on time. This not only extends the life of your vehicle but is also vital for a safe driving experience.