Red Seal Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate moving parts and reduce friction. In an internal combustion engine, various components such as pistons, crankshafts, and camshafts move rapidly and can generate significant heat due to friction. Engine oil forms a thin film that coats these surfaces, allowing them to glide past one another smoothly. This lubrication action minimizes wear on the engine parts, enhances efficiency, and prolongs the life of the engine.

Additionally, engine oil helps to prevent metal-to-metal contact, which can lead to premature failure of engine components. It also assists in heat removal by transferring heat from the moving parts to the oil pan, where it can be cooled down. Although engine oil may have secondary benefits such as cleaning properties (removing contaminants and sludge) and some influence on sound quality, its primary role remains focused on lubrication and friction reduction.