How Does Car Engine Oil Work? | Nissan Oil Systems
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Blog - How Car Oil Works


October 22, 2021

How Does Car Engine Oil Work?

You see the little oil reminder sticker in the upper corner of your windshield every time you hop in your car and know regular oil changes are essential for your engine's well-being, but do you know why? Do you know how the system works together to keep your engine running? You will with this guide to car engine oil.


Why Your Car Oil System Is Important

Without motor oil, your car would struggle to do its job. Motor oil keeps the engine lubricated so it can run properly. The oil cuts down on friction between metal parts; a lack of oil or no oil at all could make moving parts grind against each other rather than sliding against each other. Oil also cleans the parts and helps prevent them from overheating.

This process helps prevent damage to the engine and maintain smooth operation of your car. If there's not enough oil, it could cause a buildup of contaminants and sludge in the engine, which could lead to increased wear and tear.

How Does the Oil System Work in a Car?

Your car's oil system is a bit like a twisting-and-turning rollercoaster. Neither the oil system nor the rollercoaster takes a direct route from Point A to Point B.

Typically, your car's oil reservoir, or crankcase, holds several quarts of oil. A pump draws the oil from the crankcase oil pan and sends it into a tube known as the oil pickup. The oil then flows through the engine, and lubricates, cleans, and cools parts along the way. The process then begins all over again.

Your vehicle is most likely equipped with a wet sump system. This means the oil sits in a pan at the bottom of the engine. A wet sump system is simply constructed and easy to maintain.

Car Lubrication System Components

Your car engine lubrication system relies on several key parts to do its work. Here's a quick rundown of each part and what it does.

Oil Pan

Typically found at the bottom of the engine, this pan holds the several quarters of oil that your car needs. When your engine isn't running, the pan retains the oil.

Oil Pump

The oil pump pressurizes the oil, sending it through the engine and constantly lubricating the engine's parts.

Pickup Tube

The pickup tube pulls oil from the oil pan. When the engine is running, the oil travels through the oil filter and the engine.

Pressure Relief Valve

This valve controls the oil pressure.

Oil Filter

As its name suggests, this part filters the oil to capture dirt and other contaminants that can harm the engine.

Spurt Holes and Galleries

These channels and holes, in the engine block and its parts, help properly distribute the oil.

Types of Motor Oil

Nissan offers three types of motor oil:

      Genuine synthetic blend motor oil. This oil helps reduce engine wear and corrosion under most operating conditions and helps control thermal breakdown and deposit formation.
      Genuine full synthetic motor oil. This oil protects against sludge, engine rust, and corrosion and helps extend engine life in vehicles of all ages. Most new Nissan vehicles require this type of oil.
      Advanced full synthetic motor oil. This oil keeps your engine running like new and provides outstanding overall performance to help extend engine life.

How to Take Care of Your Car's Oil System

Proper care for your car's oil system translates into properly caring for your car's engine. Here are five things you can do to help your car's oil system and engine go the extra mile.

1. Check the Oil

Every other time you fill up your car's gas tank, you should check the oil level. This involves:

      Warming up the engine for 15 minutes, then letting it cool down for another 15 minutes.
      Removing the dipstick and wiping it clean with a rag or paper towel.
      Pushing the dipstick all the way back in, then removing it again to look at the oil level. The level should sit between the dipstick's hash marks.

2. Regularly Change the Oil

Whether you do it on your own or let a local Nissan service center do it for you, changing the oil on a regular basis is critical to keeping your car running correctly. Nissan recommends changing the oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. For details, check the owner's manual of your Nissan.

3. Don't Overdo the Oil

Pouring too much oil into your car creates air bubbles that can cause the engine to overheat and work harder. This can also harm the spark plugs.

4. Wipe the Oil Pan's Plug

If you're doing a DIY oil change, be sure to clean off the plug and washer for the oil pan before you return the pan to where it belongs.

5. Look for Leaks

It's wise to watch out for oil or other fluids leaking from your car. A fluid leak could signal there's a problem, such as a faulty engine hose. If you don't address a leak right away, it could cause serious damage to your car.

When Is it Time for an Oil Change?

It's ideal to get an oil change every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. However, you may need to change the oil at other times as well. While 5,000 miles or six months is a good rule of thumb, the frequency of an oil change depends on factors such as the age of your car, driving conditions, and the kind of oil your car needs. If you rack up a lot of miles on your Nissan, you likely will need to change your oil more frequently.

Here are five signs that it may be time for an oil change:

  1. The oil light or check engine light on your car's dashboard illuminates.
  2. Your engine is making weird noises. This could mean your car is low on oil and parts are rubbing together. This should be addressed quickly to help avoid extreme engine damage.
  3. A strong smell of oil drifts into your car. This could signal that there's an oil leak.
  4. You notice excessive exhaust. Most modern vehicles have a translucent vapor coming from the tailpipe, but darker, smoke-like exhaust can mean dirty oil or an oil leak. It could also be a sign of bigger engine issues and should be inspected immediately.
  5. The oil turns dark. Clean oil is an amber color. However, when the oil gets dirty, the color changes from amber to a darker hue. In this case, your car may be telling you that it's time for an oil change.

From oil dipsticks to oil filters, Nissan Parts & Accessories has all of the Nissan oil parts you need! Shop online and visit your nearest service center for a quick oil change today.


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