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Motor oil is used as a lubricant in various kinds of internal combustion engines in automobiles and other vehicles, boats, lawn mowers, trains, airplanes, etc. In engines there are contacting parts which move against each other at high speeds, often for prolonged periods of time. Such rubbing motion causes friction, absorbing otherwise useful power produced by the motor and converting the energy to useless heat. Friction also wears away the contacting surfaces of those parts, which could lead to lower efficiency and degradation of the motor. This also increases fuel consumption.
Lubricating oil makes a film between surfaces of parts moving against each other so as to minimize direct contact between them decreasing friction, wear, and production of excessive heat. Motor oil also carries away heat from moving parts, which is important because materials tend to become softer and less abrasion-resistant at high temperatures. Some engines have an additional oil cooler.
Coating metal parts with oil also keeps them from being exposed to oxygen, which inhibits their oxidation at elevated operating temperatures. Corrosion inhibitors may also be added to the motor oil. Many motor oils also have detergent additives to help keep the engine clean and minimize oil sludge buildup.
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