The car lubrication system plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficient functioning of your vehicle. This system helps prevent friction between various engine components, reducing wear and tear while extending the lifespan of the engine.
In this guide, we will delve deeper into the different components of the lubrication system and how they work together to keep your engine running smoothly.
Key Components of a Car’s Lubrication System
There are several important components that make up a car’s lubrication system. Familiarizing yourself with these parts mean understanding how the system works to protect your engine from excessive wear. The primary components include:
- Oil pan: The oil pan serves as the reservoir for the engine oil. It is typically located at the bottom of the engine and holds the oil until it is needed by the other parts of the lubrication system.
- Pickup tube: The pickup tube, also known as the oil strainer or sump pump, draws oil from the oil pan through a mesh screen, filtering out any large debris before the oil enters the rest of the lubrication system.
- Oil pump: The oil pump is responsible for circulating the oil throughout the engine. It is usually driven by the camshaft or crankshaft and maintains constant pressure, ensuring that the oil reaches all necessary components.
- Oil filter: The oil filter removes any remaining contaminants from the oil before it is circulated throughout the engine. This ensures that only clean oil is used to lubricate the engine components, preventing damage and extending their lifespans.
- Oil galleries: Oil galleries are pathways within the engine block that allow the oil to travel from the pump to each of the components requiring lubrication.
- Pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve regulates the oil pressure within the lubrication system. If the pressure becomes too high, the valve opens to return some of the oil back to the pan, maintaining a safe operating pressure for the engine.
How the Lubrication System Works
You can visit a specialist like ProSource Diesel if you need to. If you still want to know more, the car lubrication system functions as a continuous cycle, ensuring that clean oil is always available to protect the various components of the engine. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this process works:
- Oil storage in the oil pan: When the engine is not running, the majority of the oil is stored in the oil pan. This reservoir is designed to hold enough oil for the entire lubrication system, with some additional capacity for thermal expansion when the oil heats up during operation.
- Oil pickup and initial filtration: As the engine starts and begins to run, the oil pump draws oil from the pan through the pickup tube. The mesh screen on the tube filters out large debris, protecting the rest of the system from potential damage.
- Oil circulation by the oil pump: The oil pump circulates the oil throughout the engine using its gear or rotor system. The pump maintains a constant pressure to ensure that the oil reaches all necessary components in a timely manner.
- Secondary oil filtration: Before the oil is distributed to the various engine components, it passes through the oil filter. This removes any remaining contaminants, ensuring that only clean oil is used for lubrication purposes.
- Lubrication of engine components: The oil travels through the oil galleries and is directed to the specific parts of the engine that require lubrication. This includes bearings, pistons, camshaft, valves, and other moving components.
- Return to the oil pan: After lubricating the necessary engine components, the oil returns to the oil pan, completing the cycle and preparing for another round of circulation.
Maintaining Your Car’s Lubrication System
A well-maintained lubrication system is essential for the proper functioning and longevity of your car’s engine. Here are some tips on how to keep your lubrication system in top condition:
- Regularly check the oil level: Monitoring your car’s oil level is an easy way to ensure that there is always enough oil in the system. It is recommended to check the oil level at least once a month or before long trips.
- Change the oil at recommended intervals: Over time, engine oil loses its effectiveness due to thermal degradation and contamination. Regular oil changes help maintain the quality of the oil and ensure the efficient operation of the lubrication system.
- Replace the oil filter during oil changes: A clogged or worn-out oil filter can reduce the effectiveness of the lubrication system. Replacing the filter when changing the oil ensures that clean oil is always available for the engine components.
- Inspect the oil pan and pickup tube for damage: Damage to the oil pan or pickup tube can result in decreased oil flow and potential harm to the engine. Regular inspections can help identify any issues early, preventing costly repairs down the line.
Taking Care of Your Car’s Engine
By understanding the various components and function of your car’s lubrication system, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your engine. Regular maintenance, including oil level checks, oil changes, and filter replacements, are key to keeping your engine running smoothly and ensuring its longevity.
About the author
Marcus Brown is editor-in-chief of The FatMech and is a mechanic with ten years' experience based in London, UK. Having worked for major dealerships for many years, Marcus now works for a local independent garage and has experience working on nearly every make and model of car. Marcus also has a passion for writing and teaching, which is where the idea for The FatMech came from. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys playing golf, doing home renovations and gardening. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.