Is automotive lubricating oil the same as engine oil?
Is automotive lubricating oil the same as engine oil? This is a question many car owners frequently ask. Simply put, automotive lubricating oil is engine oil, also known as motor oil, which is hailed as the "blood" of a car. It serves to lubricate, clean, cool, seal, and reduce friction in the engine.
The relationship between lubricating oil and engine oil
Definition of engine oil:Engine oil refers to the lubricant specifically used in internal combustion engines, which, in addition to lubrication, also has functions such as cleaning, rust prevention, and cooling. The base oil of currently used engine oil is composed of hydrocarbons, poly-alpha-olefins (PAO), and poly-internal olefins (PIO), all of which are organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen. Some engine oils may contain up to 20% esters.
General concept of lubricating oil:However, engine oil is just one type of engine lubricant. Lubricating oil is a non-volatile oily lubricant. It is categorized into three main types based on its source: animal and vegetable oils, petroleum lubricating oils, and synthetic lubricating oils. Petroleum lubricating oils account for over 97% of total usage, hence lubricating oil commonly refers to petroleum lubricating oil.
The main function of lubricating oil
1. Lubrication and friction reduction
Lubricating oil is primarily used to reduce friction between the surfaces of moving parts, while also providing cooling, sealing, corrosion prevention, rust protection, insulation, power transmission, and cleaning of impurities for machinery and equipment.
2. Cooling and heat dissipation
When the engine is operating, it generates a large amount of heat. Lubricating oil can carry away this heat, maintaining the engine at its normal working temperature.
3. Clean and decentralized
Lubricating oil can clean carbon deposits, sludge, and other impurities inside the engine, maintaining internal cleanliness.
4. Sealed and leak-proof
Lubricating oil forms a seal between the piston rings and the cylinder wall, preventing combustion gas leakage.
5. Rust and corrosion prevention
Lubricating oil can form a protective film on metal surfaces, preventing metal components from rusting and corroding.
Classification of Lubricating Oils
Lubricating oils include gear oil, hydraulic oil, turbine oil, gasoline engine oil, diesel engine oil, grease, metalworking oil, vacuum pump oil, refrigeration oil, high-temperature oil, rust preventive oil, compressor oil, optical grease, etc. It is not simply to say that lubricating oil is engine oil.
Engine lubricating oil (engine oil)
This is the lubricant we most commonly encounter, specifically designed for the lubrication and protection of automobile engines. Depending on the base oil, it can be categorized into:
• Mineral oil:Extracted from petroleum, inexpensive, suitable for general use
• Semi-synthetic oil:Mineral oil blended with synthetic oil, cost-effective
• Fully synthetic oil:Chemically synthesized, excellent performance, long service life
Other types of lubricating oils
• Gear oil:For gear transmission devices such as gearboxes and differentials
• Hydraulic oil:Power transmission for hydraulic systems
• Brake fluid:For automotive braking systems
• Grease:Lubrication for bearings, universal joints, and other components
Lubrication requirements for various parts of a vehicle
1. Engine oil
The engine is the source of all power in a car, and the load on the friction surfaces is very high. The temperature on the friction surfaces is elevated, making the lubricating oil viscosity prone to decrease, which forms an oil film. High-temperature and high-pressure combustion gases can leak into the crankcase through gaps, contaminating the lubricating oil and accelerating oxidation.
2. Transmission gear oil
Whether it's a manual transmission or an automatic transmission, lubricating oil is an essential partner for their healthy operation. Unlike engine oil, different automatic transmissions have varying technical requirements. Even the same model of transmission configured in different vehicle models will differ in torque, weight, rotational speed, and structure.
3. Brake fluid
Brake fluid, fully known as "automotive brake fluid," is a liquid used in hydraulic braking systems to transmit pressure and stop the rotation of wheels. Its quality is directly related to our driving safety. If not replaced for a long time, you can clearly feel insufficient braking force when driving on highways, which poses a significant safety hazard.
4. Transmission oil
Inside the transmission, numerous high-precision gears are at work, and the operation of the entire internal system generates heat due to friction between components. The transmission oil serves to lubricate and dissipate this heat. Additionally, automatic transmissions can flexibly transfer power between the engine flywheel and transmission gears through the torque converter.
Liaoning Santai Petrochemical Lubricant Products
Liaoning Sante Petrochemical Co., LTD., as a professional lubricant manufacturer, offers products including:
• Engine Lubricating Oil Series:Tianliwei, Jinliwei, Chaobawang, and other brands
• Special engine oil:Methanol engine lubricating oil, natural gas engine oil
• Industrial lubricating oil:Gear oil, hydraulic oil, grease, etc.
• Automotive supplies:Brake fluid, coolant, urea solution, etc.
Selection Suggestions
1. Clarify requirements:Select the appropriate lubricating oil based on the vehicle type and usage conditions.
2. Quality Assurance:Choose products from certified and reputable manufacturers.
3. Regular replacement:Replace the lubricating oil regularly as required by the user manual.
4. Dedicated oil for dedicated use:Use specialized lubricants for different parts; do not mix them.
In summary, automotive lubricating oil is engine oil, but the concept of lubricating oil is broader, encompassing various types of lubricating products required for different parts of a vehicle. Proper selection and use of lubricating oil are crucial for ensuring the normal operation and extending the service life of a car.