Engine Oil Basics

Engine Oil

• 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

Transmission Fluid

• 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

Filtration Systems

• 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

Coolant System

• 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

Engine Oil

• 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

Transmission Fluid

• 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

Filtration Systems

• 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

Coolant System

• 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

Understand the functions, types, and properties of engine oil, including viscosity and additives. Learn about conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blend oils.