What Does Oil Do In A Car?

Motor oil is essential in any vehicle engine, but how does it work and what does oil do in a car? In essence, oil lubricates engine parts, reduces friction and generally cleans, cools, seals and protects the engine. Oil acts as a lubricant to ensure your car engine runs smoothly and efficiently. In this article form K&M Citroen and our sister garage, K&M Tyres, based in Crowborough, East Sussex, we look at how motor oil works, five of the functions it has in more detail and what does oil do in a car.

How motor oil works?

When considering what does oil do in a car, it is important to look at how it works. Oil travels around the engine through parts that require frequent lubrication and it has the job of keeping engine parts moving. These moving parts are coated with motor oil so that they glide rather than bump into each other. Oil also cleans dust and debris that can build up, with the oil filter having an essential role to play here. When carrying out an oil change, which is essential for you vehicle, make sure the filter is replaced as well.

Five functions oil has in a car

• Lubrication
• Cleaning
• Cooling
• Sealing
• Protection

What does oil do in a car?

Lubrication

In order to reduce friction; the engine parts must be lubricated. Friction is the main cause of wear and a well-lubricated engine should reduce maintenance costs.

Cleaning

Deposits of dust and combustion residue build up as an engine runs. The oil carries these impurities to the oil filter where they are trapped preventing the engine being clogged by the debris, which would result in a decrease in performance.

Cooling

Engine temperatures automatically rise due to heat from combustion and friction. Oil has the job of trapping, transferring and then releasing this heat through the lubrication circuit. This supplements the engine coolant, which cools engine parts.

Sealing

Sealing is a function of what does oil do in a car. Oil helps to seal components by forming a protective layer and in order for this to be effective, it is important that you carry out regular oil changes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Protection

The combustion of fuel generates corrosive acids that can damage metal engine parts. These acids are neutralised by oil, which reduces the corrosive effects of the acids. Motor oil over time oxidises when it comes into contact with motor oil so that it has less effect as a corrosion inhibitor. Consequently, oil should be changed regularly.

Choosing the correct oil can:

• Reduce engine wear
• Help to keep moving parts cool
• Keep critical parts moving
• Reduce emissions
• Improve fuel economy

How can K&M Citroen help you choose the right oil for your vehicle?

Keeping all of the moving parts of your engine lubricated will minimise friction and reduce component wear. This should result in a longer engine life, a reduction in maintenance costs and fewer mechanical breakdowns. K&M Citroen is a Castrol Service Centre and we can help you get the right oil for your vehicle. You will need the oil that is suited to your car and the climate conditions. We are an independent tyre and car maintenance service centre in Crowborough, East Sussex. Call us on 01892 653131 to book your vehicle in for a tyre and general maintenance check. We also carry out MOTs, air conditioning, regassing, oil changes and battery checks.