General Information

A combustion engine has a lot of moving parts that create a lot of friction. These parts need to be lubricated at all times to prevent wear and tear and allow the parts to move smoothly. This is what engine oil is for. While the engine is running, oil is pumped throughout the engine block to lubricate different parts, including the crankshaft, camshafts, pistons, bearings, and valves. Like anything else, oil will become dirty and old over time, which prevents it from properly lubricating. Many issues can occur if the oil is not changed when it needs to be, including increased wear, overheating, and sludge buildup on critical moving parts. This is why oil changes are critical and should not be forgotten about.

Car Engine Oil

Oil System

The lubrication system is made up of several parts with the purpose of storing, cleaning, and circulating the oil throughout the engine.

Engine Lubrication System Components

When the engine is off, the oil settles in the sump (or oil pan), which is located on the bottom of the block.

Oil Sump