Good read from Valvoline Global.
It also talks about color, consistency and smell test (poor man's UOA. lol) which is what I do plus short OCIs. Also the choice of UOA by "certain vehicle owners."
Here is the link:
Oxidation - Why does your motor oil go bad.
The reaction of oxidation is simple. Oxidation motivates electrons to be transported, which causes changes in the structure of the substance. For instance, metal can weaken and become brittle, and food can rot or change flavor. Understanding oxidation is crucial due to how prevalent it is and how it affects a variety of materials and chemicals, including the engine oil that runs our cars.
Reduced lubrication can raise engine temperatures, which would speed up additional oxidation—creating a vicious cycle. Unchecked oxidation over time can result in more frequent maintenance requirements, poorer fuel economy, and, in the worst case, engine failure.
It also talks about color, consistency and smell test (poor man's UOA. lol) which is what I do plus short OCIs. Also the choice of UOA by "certain vehicle owners."
Here is the link:
Oxidation - Why does your motor oil go bad.
OXIDATION: WHY DOES YOUR MOTOR OIL GO BAD?
5 Min ReadMotor oil reduces friction and protects the engine parts from corrosion, all while removing heat from the system. But, over time, this oil can degrade and lose efficiency, mainly because of oxidation. Let us learn all the basic intricacies of oxidation, its impact on engine oil, and why it is crucial for machine and vehicle owners to understand this important process.
No engine can run without proper oil; all Valvoline users and readers know this. Motor oil reduces friction and protects the engine parts from corrosion, all while removing heat from the system. But, over time, this oil can degrade and lose efficiency, mainly because of oxidation. Let us learn all the basic intricacies of oxidation, its impact on engine oil, and why it is crucial for machine and vehicle owners to understand this important process.WHAT IS OXIDATION?
Oxidation is a very common chemical process that occurs when materials interact with oxygen. While this reaction is most commonly connected to rusty metal, a lot of other things can oxidise, motor oil included.The reaction of oxidation is simple. Oxidation motivates electrons to be transported, which causes changes in the structure of the substance. For instance, metal can weaken and become brittle, and food can rot or change flavor. Understanding oxidation is crucial due to how prevalent it is and how it affects a variety of materials and chemicals, including the engine oil that runs our cars.
WHY IS OIL OXIDATION A CONCERN?
Engine oil thickens and loses fluidity as it oxidises due to a change in viscosity. The ability of the oil to move smoothly within the engine can be significantly reduced by this change in consistency, which results in less effective lubrication of moving parts. The engine experiences increased wear and tear, potentially reducing its lifespan. Additionally, hazardous byproducts, including sludge, varnish, and acidic chemicals, are created as oxidation advances.Reduced lubrication can raise engine temperatures, which would speed up additional oxidation—creating a vicious cycle. Unchecked oxidation over time can result in more frequent maintenance requirements, poorer fuel economy, and, in the worst case, engine failure.
FACTORS INFLUENCING ENGINE OIL OXIDATION
Engine oil oxidation occurs at varying rates and intensities; each of these influences has a different effect on how rapidly the oil deteriorates. Vehicle owners can optimize their maintenance schedules by being knowledgeable about these aspects:- Temperature: Heat is produced by an engine while it runs, and if that heat is not properly dispersed, it could raise the temperature of the oil. High temperatures speed up the oxidation process by intensifying the interaction between oxygen and oil molecules. Temperature control becomes crucial, particularly in high-performance engines or vehicles that routinely tow large weights.
- Contaminants: The oxidation process can be accelerated by adding foreign compounds to engine oil. Catalysts can include water, dust, unburned fuel, and even metal shavings.
- Engine Design and Condition: Modern engines are made with tighter tolerances and cutting-edge materials, which can sometimes lessen the impact of oxidation. However, worn-out engines or those that have not had proper maintenance can have deposits or wear patterns that hasten the oil's deterioration.
- Time: Oil oxidation does occur with vehicles and machines in use, but also with stationary or unused ones. Atmospheric oxygen can still enter an engine while it is stationary and interact with the oil. Therefore, even infrequently used machines can suffer from the consequences of oil oxidation over time.
