Lubricant Truth and Friction

While the ability to minimize friction is the primary function of a lubricant, there are other major functions that must be considered. Without going into the technical aspects or chemistry, a lubricant is required to perform the following:

Cool Moving Elements- Reducing friction will reduce the amount of heat that is generated and lower the operating temperature of the components. The greater a lubricant's ability is to reduce friction and transfer heat, the more efficient the mechanism will be at performing it's function. A lubricant must also absorb heat from components and transfer this to a location where it can safely be dissipated.

Clean- A lubricant must maintain internal cleanliness by suspending contaminants from adhering to components. A lubricants detergent additive will further assist in cleaning. A filter's ability to remove contaminants is only as good as the lubricant's cleaning ability. To put it another way, a dust pan is only as effective as the broom that sweeps the dust in.

Prevent Contamination- The lubricant should act as a dynamic seal in locations such as the piston, piston ring and cylinder contact areas. This seal minimizes contamination of systems not in direct contact with the combustion process. Lubricants must also support mechanical seals to minimize external contamination and prevent fluid loss.

Dampen Shock- Under certain conditions a lubricant may be required to cushion the blows of mechanical shock. The lubricant's film absorbs and dispenses energy spikes over a broader contact area regardless of temperature. Absorbing shock prevents that shock from being transferred to other components.

Transfer Energy- A lubricant may be required to act as an energy transfer median as in the case of hydraulic equipment or lifters in an automotive engine. Energy transfer acts as a form of mechanical action without the risk of a moving part that could fail under pressure.

Prevent Corrosion- Both the lubricant and additive components must have the ability to prevent or minimize internal component corrosion. This can be accomplished either by chemically neutralizing the corrosive products or by setting up a barrier to protect the components.