Functions of oil
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Oil reduces unwanted friction. It reduces wear on moving parts, and helps cool an engine, It also absorbs shock loads and acts as a cleaning agent.
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Viscosity
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Viscosity rating indicates flow rate of oil at a given temperature. There are many grades. Thin oils tend to be for cold conditions. Oil with improver is called multi-grade or multiple-viscosity oil.
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Oil additives
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Different additives do different jobs. They can inhibit corrosion, foaming and oxidation, and act as dispersants.
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| Synthetic oils |
Raw crude oil is not a good lubricant. It contains high levels of nitrogen and sulphur compounds as well as wax crystals. |
