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The secret of engine protection: How to extend the life of motor oil through additives?
In today's automotive technology, engine oil performance is critical. According to experts, engine oil additives are one of the key ingredients to improve lubrication performance. These chemical compounds improve the lubricating properties of the base oil and extend the oil's service life. Specifically, most commercial motor oils contain additives, whether they are synthetic or petroleum-based.
"Only American Petroleum Institute (API) Service SA grade oils do not contain any additives, and these oils cannot protect modern engines."
The additive formula of each engine oil is determined according to the usage needs. For example, an oil used in diesel engines (such as API Service CJ-4) will have different additives than an oil used in small gasoline outboards (such as 2-stroke engine oil). As technology advances, various additives are developed to improve lubrication, resist contaminants and prevent chemical breakdown.
Types of additives
Oil additives play a vital role in modern internal combustion engines. The primary functions of these additives include controlling chemical breakdown, improving viscosity, reducing friction, and even maintaining the integrity of engine components.
Controlling chemical decomposition
Detergent additives that clean and neutralize impurities in oil have been used since the 1930s. These additives are usually magnesium sulfonates.
"Antioxidant additives can delay the deterioration of oil. Typical additives include organic amines and phenols."
In the antioxidant effect of oil, metal deactivators will build a film on the metal surface to prevent the metal from oxidizing the oil. These chemical additives not only prevent oxidation of the metal but also help neutralize any acids present.
Viscosity adjustment
Viscosity improvers are essential for increasing the viscosity of oils at high temperatures. At high temperatures, the viscosity of oil becomes increasingly lower, but the use of viscosity improvers can improve its performance, which is an important characteristic of multi-grade oils.
Reduce friction
Friction reducing agents, such as molybdenum disulfide, are designed to reduce friction between the moving parts inside the engine, thereby improving fuel economy. Modern friction additives have been significantly improved over the whale oil historically used.
"Extreme pressure additives bond with metal surfaces to ensure no contact, even under high pressure."
Pollutant Control
In engine oil, metal particles are released by wear and inevitably affect the quality of the oil. Many large metal particles and impurities can be removed by magnets or oil filters, but dispersants prevent the accumulation of smaller diameter contaminants.
Additives on the market and their controversies
In addition to factory-produced engine oil additives, there are a large number of aftermarket additives on the market. The effectiveness of these additives is often debated, with some consumers reporting that they can clog filters. Although some aftermarket products claim to extend engine oil life, many users are skeptical of their effectiveness.
There is still a lively debate about the effectiveness of lubricants, and many consumers have very different opinions about these products, so it is important to choose smartly when choosing additives.
So, how can we truly ensure that the oil and additives we choose can effectively protect our engines and extend the life of the oil?
