When it comes to engine cooling, the picture that springs to the minds of many people is antifreeze circulating through the car’s radiator.
However, one of the hidden gems in managing the engine temperature is not the coolant but the engine oil.
Yes, the same oil that reduces friction between parts and prevents the metal to metal contact helps in the cooling of the engine.
Indeed, if oil is not used at this capacity, engines will heat up much more and have a shorter lifespan; some might even seize up. Checking engine oil at our trusted auto repair shop helps maintain proper engine temperature and extends the lifespan of the vehicle.
Understanding Engine HeatIt is important to first understand the source of heat in the engines and how the heat is controlled before getting into the details of how oil helps in cooling.
Working engines function with the help of fuel that is burnt in order to produce energy.
This is not an efficient process since a large proportion of the generated energy is in the form of heat that is dissipated into the environment.
The internal temperature can go as high as 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (about 1,370 degrees Celsius) or even higher depending on the type of fuel.
If not controlled and dissipated effectively, it can cause considerable harm to the engine parts, which may deform, crack, or seize.
In the past, the radiator, water pump, and coolant were the parts that controlled this heat considerably.
It circulates through the engine block and heads, takes heat from the engine, and carries it to the radiator to expel it to the atmosphere.
However, there are sections of the engine that the coolant cannot penetrate; this is when engine oil comes in. To keep your engine working properly, you should stay on top with oil and filter service.
