THE OUTFLOW OF VIRTUE: importance of engine oil

You are well aware of the function of blood in the circulation system in our body, right? Well, it is not necessary to go on boasting the functions and properties of blood, as this is not a place to discuss the theories of biological studies. Here, we are to discuss about engine lubricating oil, isn’t it? The point is – the lubricating oil is to engine, what the blood is to human body. Not only the lubricating oil ensures the proper and smooth running of your motorcycle’s engine by keeping the internal components of the engine cool and lubricated, but also it restricts the frictional losses and wear and tear between the surfaces of two mechanical components grinding against each other. And that’s where the similarity of the engine oil and blood ends. Unlike the blood, the engine lubricating oil needs to be replaced again and again over a certain period of time, due to the infinite torments being acted upon it by a number of factors such as heat generated inside the engine, environmental contaminants and so on, which results in the formation of dirt and sludge, which not only contaminates the engine oil on the whole, but also creates annoyance by acting as a barrier for the happy-go-flow of the engine oil. This reduces the functionality of the engine lubricating oil as compared to a fresh new one. After all, shine fades with time, unless it is a celestial star. The extent of damage caused by the engine oil sludge formation can be as severe as an extensive engine replacement. And that sounds as a big hollow in your hard-earned pocket, which no one will ever like. Thanks to the sciences and fortune of the present generation mankind, we are blessed with innovative ideas and theories, because of which changing the engine lubricating oil is not at all a really expensive method to carry out. It all depends on the obvious factors – type of your motorcycle, oil change interval mentioned by the manufacturer, etc. Just be obedient and enjoy the absence of tension and strain. But we are humans, the supreme species, and the tendency of generating questions in our mind and asking them is the ability which separates us from other lives on planet, isn’t it? The bundles of ‘whats’ such as what kind of oil, what weight of the oil, what brand, what type, what grade, what price, what difference between quality and quantity sure arises in our mind. But these ‘whats’ are of no use if you have no idea of one particular ‘what’ – what is the importance of engine oil in a motorcycle.

To give you the idea of how crucial the engine lubricant oil is, around 70-75% of the whole motorcycle depends on lubricating oil for its proper functionality. There are several reasons which determine the utmost importance of this oil. First, it creates a very a fine, thin film separating the surfaces of adjacent mechanical components which are in motion against each other, which absorbs the heat generated between them, thus reducing the loss of power and overheating conditions and keeping the temper of engine under control. Secondly, it covers up all the metal components with a protective layer and prevents them from being exposed to moisture and oxygen, thus ensuring that there is no formation of rust. You see, oxygen is important, very important, but only at right places. Thirdly, there are a number of additives and detergents added to the engine oil which absorbs the inbuilt contaminants and thus, helps in keeping the engine clean and free from sludge between the engine components. There are chances of sludge settling out at the bottom, but there are solutions for it too. An innovative mind has answers for everything which he has created – Thanks Almighty for that!

Now, as we have go the basic importance of the engine oils, no need to rush to the nearby mechanical shop and get anything irrespective of your bike’s credentials. There are certain factors on which the importance of the engine oil and its overall functionality varies differently for different bikes. In total, there are three kinds of lubricating oils – Mineral oils, which are created from crude oils and is the least expensive. Then there are synthetic blend oils, which are a blend of mineral oil and some beneficial chemical additives and are suitable for higher and better performance. And then come the fully synthetic oils, which are ridiculously long lasting (and expensive too!) Out of these three, keeping in mind the present times and economic balance, the synthetic blend oils come out to be the most viable option. Yes, they are expensive from the standard mineral oils, but what you pay for those extra bucks is the additional traits and the guarantee of longer lasting good performance of the engine without any compromise on quality. Also, keeping in consideration the temperature and climate conditions of the regions of riding, chose the appropriate grade of the engine oil, preferably multi-grade oil, so that you may not face any trouble whether you are riding the high remote curvy motor able roads of Laddakh or the hot open straights of Jaisalmer with the same engine oil.

After covering the aspects of ‘why’ and ‘what’, comes ‘when’. The engine lubricants need nod to be changed every time your mood says. There are certain periodic intervals after which it is recommended by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual that it’s the time you open up the oil pan, twist the cap on and change the oil. Normally, the engine oil needs to be checked after the first service interval and needs to get replaced after every 4500-5000 km. And then the ranges vary according to the type of motorcycle. Though the modern day engine lubricants are efficient enough to cover up even the double of the aforementioned km range, it’s advisable that you should give a thorough look, as who knows, what’s going inside the engine, right!

At the end of the day, think of a motorcycle engine – such a small wonder, and so much of intensities and complexities associated to it. And an invention of a liquid named ‘engine lubricating oil’ makes the things much easier. A big cheer then to the minds behind the developments related to engine oils. Hail science!