Engine Oil Basics

Study Notes

Function: Lubricates engine components, reduces friction, and prevents overheating
Types:
- Conventional (petroleum-based)
- Synthetic (chemical-based)
- Synthetic blend (mix of conventional and synthetic)
Viscosity: Measures oil's thickness and flowability
- Thin oils for cold weather, thick oils for hot weather
Additives:
- Detergents: Neutralize acids and remove deposits
- Dispersants: Prevent soot and varnish buildup
- Anti-wear agents: Reduce friction and wear

Function: Lubricates transmission components, reduces friction, and prevents overheating
Types:
- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
- Manual transmission fluid (MTF)
- Continuously variable transmission fluid (CVTF)
Properties:
- Viscosity: Similar to engine oil, but with higher viscosity index
- Friction modifiers: Reduce clutch pack wear and improve shifting
- Anti-wear agents: Prevent gear and bearing wear

Function: Remove contaminants from lubricants to prevent engine damage
Types:
- Oil filters: Remove particles, soot, and varnish from engine oil
- Fuel filters: Remove particles and contaminants from fuel
- Air filters: Remove particles and contaminants from air
Filter types:
- Cartridge-style filters
- Canister-style filters
- Synthetic media filters

Function: Regulates engine temperature and prevents overheating
Components:
- Radiator: Heat exchanger that dissipates heat
- Water pump: Circulates coolant through the system
- Hoses: Transport coolant between components
- Thermostat: Regulates engine temperature
Coolant types:
- Ethylene glycol-based
- Propylene glycol-based
- Organic acid technology (OAT) coolants

Lubricates engine components, reduces friction, and prevents overheating
Comes in three types: conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend
Viscosity measures oil's thickness and flowability, with thin oils for cold weather and thick oils for hot weather
Additives include detergents to neutralize acids, dispersants to prevent soot buildup, and anti-wear agents to reduce friction

Lubricates transmission components, reduces friction, and prevents overheating
Comes in three types: automatic transmission fluid (ATF), manual transmission fluid (MTF), and continuously variable transmission fluid (CVTF)
Has a higher viscosity index than engine oil, with friction modifiers to reduce clutch pack wear and anti-wear agents to prevent gear wear

Remove contaminants from lubricants to prevent engine damage
Includes oil filters to remove particles and varnish, fuel filters to remove particles, and air filters to remove particles
Filter types include cartridge-style, canister-style, and synthetic media filters

Regulates engine temperature and prevents overheating
Components include radiators, water pumps, hoses, and thermostats
Coolants come in three types: ethylene glycol-based, propylene glycol-based, and organic acid technology (OAT) coolants