How to make engine oil
Motor oil is an important lubricant for the operation of a car engine. It reduces friction, reduces wear, and helps dissipate heat. Although there are various brands of engine oil on the market, understanding their production process can help us choose and use engine oil better. This article will introduce the production method of engine oil in detail and attach relevant data for reference.
1. Basic components of engine oil

Engine oil mainly consists of base oil and additives. Base oil is the main component of engine oil, accounting for 70%-90% of the total, while additives are used to enhance the performance of engine oil. The following are the main components of engine oil and their functions:
| Ingredients | function | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| base oil | Provides lubrication and cooling | 70%-90% |
| additives | Enhance antioxidant, cleaning and other properties | 10%-30% |
2. Production of base oil
Base oil is the core of engine oil, and its production process mainly includes the following steps:
1.Crude oil distillation: After crude oil is heated, components with different boiling points are separated through distillation, among which the lubricating oil fraction is the main source of base oil.
2.refine: The lubricating oil fraction obtained by distillation needs to be further refined to remove impurities and undesirable components and improve the purity and stability of the oil.
3.Dewaxing: The lubricating oil fraction contains wax, which needs to be removed through the dewaxing process to ensure the fluidity of the engine oil at low temperatures.
4.Hydrotreating: Through the hydrogenation process, the quality of the base oil can be further improved, making it have better oxidation resistance and thermal stability.
3. Types and functions of additives
Additives are an integral part of engine oil and can significantly improve its performance. The following are common additives and their functions:
| Additive type | function | Common ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | Delay oil oxidation and extend service life | Phenols and amine compounds |
| Cleaning dispersant | Prevent carbon deposits and sludge from forming | Sulfonates, phosphates |
| Anti-wear agent | Reduce friction and wear | Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) |
| Viscosity index improver | Maintain oil viscosity stability at different temperatures | polymethacrylate |
4. Formula and blending of engine oil
The final step in making motor oil is mixing the base oil and additives in proportions. The formulas of engine oil are different for different uses, such as:
| Oil type | Base oil ratio | Additive ratio |
|---|---|---|
| mineral oil | 85%-90% | 10%-15% |
| Synthetic motor oil | 70%-80% | 20%-30% |
| High performance engine oil | 60%-70% | 30%-40% |
5. Things to note
1.Safety first: Making engine oil involves chemical substances. Protective equipment must be worn during operation to avoid contact with skin and inhalation of harmful gases.
2.Precise proportion: The proportion of additives needs to be strictly controlled. Too much or too little will affect the performance of the engine oil.
3.Storage conditions: Finished engine oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
4.Environmentally friendly treatment: Waste engine oil and chemical waste must be disposed of in accordance with environmental protection requirements and cannot be dumped at will.
6. Summary
The production of engine oil is a complex process, involving multiple links such as crude oil refining, base oil refining and additive blending. Understanding this knowledge will not only help us choose the right engine oil, but also better maintain the car engine. I hope this article provides you with valuable information.
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