The longevity of vehicles on our roads has significantly increased. In 2011, the average age of US cars reached a record 11.1 years. In Europe cars are now on average 12 years old. (Source link). This is a testament to advancements in automotive technology and manufacturing. Today, it is not uncommon to find used cars with 150,000 to 200,000 miles still being sold as reliable transportation options.
According to a recent study by S&P Global Mobility, the average age of a car on the road in 2023 has risen to 12.5 years, more than double the average lifespan of vehicles in 1973. The following have all contributed to the longevity of motor vehicles:
- Advancements in automotive technology and engineering
- Improvements in fuel quality over the past 50 years has also enabled much longer oil drain intervals for both cars and trucks
- Developments in engine oil lubricants.
The Evolution of Engine Oil
The evolution of engine oil and the changes in oil change intervals are closely related, with advancements in oil formulations and engine technology driving the extension of recommended oil change intervals.
Oil change intervals for vehicles have significantly evolved in the last 50 years due to advancements in automotive technology, improvements in oil quality, and changes in maintenance practices.
1970s to 1980s: Oil change interval was 3,000 miles or 3 months due to limitations of conventional oils and engine technology.
1990s: Oil change interval extended to 5,000 miles with the introduction of higher-quality conventional oils and synthetic oils.
2000s: Oil change interval increased to 7,500 miles due to improvements in synthetic oils and engine technology. On-board diagnostic systems became standard for more precise maintenance monitoring.
2010s to Present: Oil change interval in the US is up to 10,000 miles, in Europe it can be over 18,000 miles or 2 years. This is due to widespread adoption of full synthetic oils and advanced engine designs. Advanced oil life monitoring systems in modern vehicles tailor maintenance schedules based on driving conditions and engine performance.
Oil change intervals have evolved from 3,000 mile recommendations in the 1970s to as much as 20,000 miles for modern vehicles. This is thanks to improved base oil refining processes, synthetic oils, lubricant additive packages, and modern diagnostic systems. These advancements have led to reduced maintenance costs and environmental benefits.
Advancement of Engine Oil Additives
Additives are essential for extending the lifespan of engine components by improving the performance and protective qualities of engine oil. The main functions and benefits of additives in engine oils include:
1. Reducing Friction and Wear
- Anti-Wear Agents: Additives such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) form protective films on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear between moving parts. This is vital for prolonging the life of engine components like camshafts and bearings.
- Friction Modifiers: These additives improve the lubricity of the oil, further reducing friction and wear.
2. Preventing Oxidation and Corrosion
- Antioxidants: These additives inhibit the oxidation process in the oil, preventing the formation of harmful sludge and varnish. This keeps the engine clean and ensures that oil retains its protective qualities over time.
- Corrosion Inhibitors: These additives protect metal surfaces within the engine from corrosion and rust, which can be caused by moisture and acidic byproducts of combustion.
3. Maintaining Cleanliness
- Detergents: Detergent additives help to clean and neutralize contaminants that can form deposits on engine parts. This keeps the engine clean and ensures smooth operation.
- Dispersants: These additives keep sludge and dirt particles suspended in the oil, preventing them from clumping together and forming larger deposits. This aids in maintaining oil flow and preventing blockages.
4. Enhancing Viscosity and Stability
- Viscosity Index Improvers: These additives help the oil maintain a stable viscosity across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring proper lubrication whether the engine is hot or cold.
- Pour Point Depressants: These additives prevent the oil from thickening at low temperatures, ensuring that it flows smoothly during cold starts.
5. Neutralising Acids
- Base Reserve Additives: These additives neutralize acidic byproducts of combustion, preventing them from damaging engine components. This is especially important for protecting the engine’s internal surfaces from corrosive wear.
6. Preventing Foam Formation
- Anti-Foaming Agents: These additives prevent the formation of foam in the oil, which can interfere with effective lubrication and cooling of engine parts.
7. Specialised Protection
- Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives: Used in certain applications like gear oils, these additives provide additional protection under high-pressure conditions, preventing metal-to-metal contact and wear.
Impact on Engine Lifespan
The presence of these additives in engine oil contributes significantly to:
- Extended Maintenance Intervals: By keeping the oil effective for longer periods, additives reduce the frequency of oil changes.
- Enhanced Engine Performance: Clean, well-lubricated engines perform more efficiently and have fewer mechanical issues.
- Prolonged Component Lifespan: Reduced friction, wear, and corrosion result in a longer lifespan for critical engine parts, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
The additives in engine oils are crucial for improving the protective properties of the oil, keeping the engine clean, and ensuring top performance. They tackle different challenges that occur during engine operation, significantly contributing to the durability and dependability of engine components. This enables modern engines to operate efficiently for longer periods and under more demanding conditions.
Whether you’re looking to enhance the performance of your lubricants or improve their compatibility with other products, SBZ’s technical support team is available to offer expert advice on formulations, treatment rates, and blending compatibility.
