Lubricant additives are a crucial component of vehicle maintenance and are essential for many reasons. They keep the lubricant in a liquid state and maintain fluidity. At temperatures below 50degC, the paraffin molecules in oil begin to crystallize, changing the way it flows. Antiwear, rust, and corrosion inhibitors are added to the oil to help prevent wax from forming. The anti-foam and detergent/dispersants add to the fluid’s viscosity, lowering its pour point.
Control heat and reduce friction:
These chemicals are used in automotive lubricants to control heat and reduce friction. These additives can improve fuel economy by increasing fuel economy. They also improve the durability of metal parts and prevent rust. These products help prolong the life of internal combustion engines by preventing excessive wear. The use of lubricants has been around for over 80 years. These products have proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Prevent oil from losing its viscosity at high temperatures:
Viscosity index improvers are another important additive for vehicles. These are substances that prevent oil from losing its viscosity at high temperatures. These compounds come in many different shapes, sizes, and qualities. The most common viscosity index improvers are polymethylmethacrylate and olefin copolymers. These large oil-soluble molecules uncoil and spread out when the temperature increases.
Prevent excessive wear on metal parts:
The use of lubricant additives can prevent excessive wear on metal parts. Anti-formants are chemicals that prevent the oil from foaming. They prevent the oil from boiling away as the engine heats it. Without these, the oil can become a black sludge and can lead to catastrophic failures of the engine. Adding anti-foaming agents will extend the life of the vehicle.
Essential for reducing friction in the engine:
The use of emulsifiers in the lubricant for vehicles is essential for reducing friction in the engine. These additives alter the interfacial tension of oil and water. As a result, the oil-water ratio becomes more stable, and the free water drains away. Typically, these chemicals are used in fire-resistant and metal-working fluids. They are like glues binding the two-part oil and water together. They can also be harmful to the environment.
Protecting the engine from extreme operating conditions:
Besides anti-foaming agents, lubricant additives are crucial for protecting the engine from extreme operating conditions. Even the best base oils can’t protect against the effects of these conditions. However, by adding anti-foaming agents, good base oils become more effective. They help the lubricant stay in the engine, keeping it cool and saving money.
