The main task of engine oils is to ensure proper lubrication of moving parts of the engine by creating a durable lubricating film that reduces the friction coefficient in the engine and prevents seizing of its components. However, this is not all. Engine oils are also responsible for heat dissipation (washing and cooling of heated elements and heat dissipation to the oil pan), protection against corrosion, as well as keeping the engine clean by means of washing and dispersing additives contained in the oil.
ENGINE OIL – LEVEL ASSESSMENT
This is the basic test that should be carried out systematically by the vehicle owner. When assessing the oil level, make sure that the car is on an even, horizontal section of the road, parking lot, etc. In addition, both the oil and the engine itself must be cold.
If we find that there is too little oil, add it, paying attention to maintaining its proper level (we check it with a special dipstick, the tip of which is immersed in the oil sump). Why is this so important? Too low an oil level can cause temporary pressure drops and excessive engine heating, while too high contributes to an increase in crankcase pressure, and consequently to the appearance of engine leaks and leaks.
It is also worth checking its level on the bayonet mentioned above, checking its condition organoleptically, including by watching, smelling or touching. Let us remember that the color of engine oil does not indicate its quality. For example: very often it happens that the oil used in diesel engines is black. This does not mean, however, that it is exchangeable. In many diesels, oil can turn black in the first minutes of operation in a completely natural way. However, the smell is different: in this way we can assess whether gasoline or diesel oil got into the oil. The smell of burning indicates the “burning” of oil, i.e. the negative effects of high temperatures.
ENGINE OIL – PAPER TEST
It’s very simple to check the degree of engine oil contamination. Apply just a few drops of oil to the appropriate paper: remember that it should have a temperature that corresponds to its actual operation in the engine. We then compare the resulting stain with a special pattern. On this basis, we receive a range of information, including regarding potential impurities, oil thermal decomposition or e.g. loss of dispersing properties, i.e. the effectiveness of dealing with deposits. In the case of dispersing properties, the confirmation of the effectiveness of the engine oil will be the environment of the deposits inside the spot.