Maintenance Archives

The Dynamics of Engine Oil Oxidation

John Baker | Aug 7, 2024 10:59 AM

You guessed it, the key ingredient to engine oxidation is oxygen.

Oxygen comprises about 20 percent of our atmosphere. It’s the third most common element in the universe. Without it we’d all be doomed.

And yet too much of it can cause problems inside your engine.

What is oxidation?

Oxidation occurs when the addition of oxygen changes a chemical substance. Take an apple, for example. Everyone knows that oxygen will quickly cause a cut apple to turn brown. Or metal. Oxygen can cause rust to form on some metals in a matter of days. Have you ever noticed your brakes grinding after having left your car sit for a couple days in wet weather? That sound is your brake pads scouring rust from the rotors. Never worry about that one as driving soon burns that off..

More wear on or in your engine occurs during storage. The oxidation discussed below can be detrimental. And that is not limited to the motor oil but the coolant system as well.

Motor oil isn’t immune to oxidation. As oil reacts with oxygen, a permanent chemical change occurs that causes oil molecules to lose one or more electrons. This can result in several problems, including…

Formation of sludge and deposits that reduce engine efficiency and increase the risk of engine failure
Increased oil viscosity, which reduces fuel efficiency
Additive depletion, reducing the oil’s effectiveness
Accelerated degradation, causing you to change oil more often

Heat accelerates oxidation

Every 18ºF (10ºC) increase in temperature doubles the rate of oxidation. That doesn’t bode well for motorists driving modern turbocharged vehicles that create increased heat compared to older vehicles. Or that Harley waiting in lines of traffic at events when block temps exceed 400F.

Heat isn’t the only oxidation accelerant – certain metals, acids and water can also hasten oxidation. So can large volumes of entrained air, known as foaming.

Can we prevent motor oil oxidation?

Unfortunately, no. Nature is a relentless force, and all motor oil will eventually oxidize to some degree. But we can dramatically slow oxidation through use of synthetic base oils and quality oxidation-inhibitor additives.

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are formulated using base oils with a saturated molecular structure, meaning oxygen is prevented from attaching. This provides inherent heat and oxidation stability compared to unsaturated conventional oils.

And, because AMSOIL synthetic lubricants don’t contain contaminants like conventional oils, their base composition doesn’t accelerate oxidation.

AMSOIL synthetic lubricants also contain high-quality oxidation inhibitors. These additives are sacrificial in nature, meaning they’re designed to deplete over time. Because AMSOIL synthetic lubricants have inherently better oxidation resistance, their oxidation inhibitors last longer since they don’t deplete as rapidly.

When components and additives are selected for blending, cost is never a deciding factor thus our formulations will always result in the best of class. As AMSOIL does not have stock holders there are no outsiders to effect our decisions to always use the very best.

So, what does that mean to me?

That all adds up to a motor oil that…

Lasts longer despite intense heat and stress
Helps keep your engine cleaner and more efficient
Saves money in the long run through reduced maintenance
And as a bonus you enjoy added performance

So, while oxygen lets you breathe, AMSOIL synthetic motor oil lets you breath easy since your engine is protected against oxidation.

August is the summer road trip month! Grease up! Get that car ready

Driving is part of the fun! Not the repairs and credit card charges. A summer road trip should bring good memories, not car trouble.

by Brad August 2024

Alright, lets get down to the nitty gritty!! Tools, spare parts and maybe some breaks figured in always works.

If you can see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn and it’s time to replace the tires.

Start With The Tires

Check your tires for wear. Worn tread can lead to unsafe driving conditions.

In the U.S., tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, with some truck, SUV and winter tires having more. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when tread depth hits 2/32”. Checking if your tread meets the minimum depth is simple; all you need is a penny.

Place a penny between the tread ribs of your tire with Abe Lincoln’s head pointing into the tread.
If the top of his head disappears, your tread depth is still greater than 2/32”. If you can see his entire head, replace your tires before hitting the road.

Remember to test in various places around each tire, especially areas that appear worn. Replace your tires if any areas fail the penny test.

Uneven tread wear could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment or a variety of other things. If you see uneven tread wear, have a technician inspect your vehicle before you head out.

Check tire psi and ensure your valve stem caps are secure before embarking on a summer road trip. It’s also a good idea to check that the lug nuts are properly torqued. Find the proper foot-pounds in your owner’s manual.

One more thing – grab your front tires and give them a good shake. You may have a bad wheelbearing and this will be obvious. It’s something that we see more often go bad where they salt the streets. Worn bearings are dangerous but at the least will cause alignment issues and poor fuel economy.

And don’t forget the spare. Check for proper air pressure since tires tend to lose pressure as they sit unused.

Mind The Motor Oil – And AMSOIL saves time and fuel

Regular oil changes are critical for vehicle performance and longevity. Before you head far from home, make sure your motor oil can go the distance. Add the estimated miles you will be traveling on your trip to the miles the oil has already accumulated.

A high-quality synthetic is your best bet to protect your engine. And don’t forget to change your oil filter with your oil change.

Check The Antifreeze & Coolant

Your engine will get hot during a long trip, especially if you are driving through deserts or over mountain passes. Checking your antifreeze and coolant will help ensure that you don’t overheat and roll to a stop along a remote highway.

Begin by locating the coolant reservoir under the hood near the front or side of the engine. It’s usually transparent with a line near the bottom labelled “cold” and a line near the top labelled “hot.” With the engine cold, remove the reservoir cap and check if the level has dipped below the “cold” line. If so, the mixture is too low.

To avoid serious injury, make sure the engine is cool before opening the reservoir cap. If the engine is still hot, pressurized liquid can spray out of the radiator.

Low coolant is usually the result of a leak. As your vehicle’s hoses, gaskets and seals age, they can become brittle and leak. A leak needs to be found and fixed as soon as possible. Every time you pop the hood make it a habit to glance down at that coolant level.

If you don’t know which type of antifreeze and engine coolant to use, check your owner’s manual or use the AMSOIL Product Guide.

If you see sludge in the fluid, you should have the system flushed and upgrade to a quality antifreeze and coolant.

Ensure The Transmission Fluid Is In Good Shape (Try AMSOIL OE for the budget minded)

Transmission fluid is often overlooked. In fact, many modern vehicles are equipped with “filled-for-life” transmissions, implying the fluid never needs to be checked or changed. But that’s dangerously misleading.

In truth, it’s a good idea to change fluids in a filled-for-life or sealed transmission or differential at least once during the lifetime of your vehicle, and more often if you tow or haul. Therefore, if you will have a camper in tow, it’s an especially good idea to check your transmission fluid before leaving the driveway.

You can always suck out a few quarts from the dipstick tube if the car has one and replace with fresh. Just a 5 quart swap is significant.

Power Steering Fluid

Old power steering fluid needs to be addressed. Your seals rely on fresh non-oxidized hydraulic fluid. Use our vehicle matching guide to make sure you get the right one.

Vehicle Look-up: Match AMSOIL Products to your model

Checking power steering fluid is a simple task that anyone can do. Yet, it’s often overlooked until the signs of low fluid emerge, such as whining or squealing pump noise and hard steering at low speeds.

Power steering fluid is essential to lubricate and cool the pump. Therefore, driving with low fluid could burn up the pump, causing difficult steering and even a loss of control.

To check your fluid, start by finding the power steering fluid reservoir. Its location differs from vehicle to vehicle, but it’s usually a small, clear container with a black cap. Many vehicles have marks on the outside of the reservoir to indicate “MAX” or “MIN.” Other vehicles use a dipstick to check power steering fluid. In either case, make sure the fluid is at the optimal level.

If it’s been a while (like, never) and the fluid appears dark and dirty, go ahead and change it.

Service The Brakes

The other reservoir you need to watch often! That fluid does expire. Moisture absorbed causes all sorts of issues.

If you notice even a slight amount of sponginess, grinding or delayed brake reaction, it’s time to change your pads, bleed the system and maybe even install new rotors. Schedule brake service with a mechanic if you’re uncomfortable doing the work yourself.

In addition, brake fluid can go bad. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which reduces its performance.

A vehicle using fresh brake fluid should deliver solid brake-pedal feel, like you’re pressing down on a brick. Think of the last time you drove a new car. The brakes likely inspired confidence and felt rock-solid. That’s because the entire system was brand new and moisture had yet to infiltrate the fluid.

It’s a good idea to change your brake fluid at least every two years, or when you change brake pads, and be mindful of the amount of time you expose the product to the environment.

Don’t cheap out on your brakes – use a quality fluid. For example, AMSOIL DOT 3 & DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid is packaged with nitrogen, which prevents moisture contamination natural to the packaging process. Additionally, it is engineered with high boiling points to exceed the minimum standards, which translates into solid, confident braking.

Check The Belts, Hoses & Fuses

While you’re under the hood, check all the hoses around the radiator for cracks or damage. Check the serpentine belt, too. I just had a pulley go out on me.

An inexpensive fuse tester identifies bad fuses so you can easily tell which need replacing. It never hurts to throw some extras in your glovebox, either.

How To Pick a Car Battery

Test The Battery

When’s the last time you changed your battery? Batteries typically last two to five years, and they often give little-to-no warning before they lose their juice. Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing, so you can gauge whether you’re due for a replacement before you hit the road. I always carry a volt meter in my tool bag. May help you trace out a simple problem.

Make Sure You Can See (& Others Can See You)

Check your headlights, brake lights and turn signals. Throw some spare bulbs in with your stash of fuses in case you need one along the way. When’s the last time you inspected your tiol-lights?

Fill up your windshield washer fluid reservoir and change the wiper blades if they work like crap. Good visibility is a key safety feature, not to mention an imperative for catching any sights along the way. Fresh blades are worth the cost.

Pack A Roadside Emergency Kit

Sometimes all the preparation in the world is still not enough. In case you break down, make sure you have some tools and safety equipment along. Pack a flashlight, tow rope, portable battery charger, bungee cords, screw drivers, wrenches and roadside emergency reflectors.

Boost Your Fuel Economy

Gas prices always seem to increase just in time for your summer road trip. One thing you can do to maximize fuel economy is clean your fuel system with a quality fuel additive.

Don’t forget the mass air flow sensor. I cleaned one the other day on my Buick and gained back 2 MPG and the 1000 RPM idle went down to the normal level!

For example, AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver cleans injector deposits, valves and the combustion chamber. It works in just one tank of gasoline.

Or my new favorite – Upper Cylinder Lube! Read the reviews. This added to every other tank makes a HUGE difference! Crazy mileage improvements and a quiet engine. It lubricates the moving parts in your engine which oil can’t reach.

Upper Cylinder Lubricant

Summer Road Trip Adventure Ahead

With your vehicle in prime condition, you’ll be ready to pursue your summer road trip adventures with confidence.

Category: Maintenance

What Causes Engine Oil Oxidation?