Will using ethanol gasoline affect engine oil performance?
author: Ann
2025-02-25
Ethanol gasoline has been widely criticized since its promotion. In addition to affecting indicators such as power and fuel consumption, practical research has found that the use of ethanol gasoline will also shorten the oil change cycle of the engine oil.
The problem lies in two aspects:
01. Alcohols react with antioxidants and anti-wear agents
Alcohol substances can easily react with some commonly used antioxidants and anti-wear agents in engine oil, resulting in reduced anti-wear properties of the engine oil. In order to avoid abnormal engine wear caused by reduced anti-wear properties of engine oil, car owners using ethanol gasoline are advised to take the initiative to shorten the oil change cycle of the engine oil.
02. Ethanol combustion produces acidic combustion products
Ethanol combustion will produce acetic acid and sulfide, which are much more acidic than the combustion products of ordinary gasoline. These acidic substances will be brought into the crankcase below the cylinder as the piston ring moves up and down. The engine oil needs to neutralize these acidic substances, resulting in a continuous increase in the total acid number (TAN) and a decrease in the total base number (TBN). When the total base number drops to a certain level, the engine oil will become acidified and ineffective.
To sum up: After switching to ethanol gasoline, car owners are advised to actively shorten the oil change cycle, or choose more targeted engine oil products.
The problem lies in two aspects:
01. Alcohols react with antioxidants and anti-wear agents
Alcohol substances can easily react with some commonly used antioxidants and anti-wear agents in engine oil, resulting in reduced anti-wear properties of the engine oil. In order to avoid abnormal engine wear caused by reduced anti-wear properties of engine oil, car owners using ethanol gasoline are advised to take the initiative to shorten the oil change cycle of the engine oil.
02. Ethanol combustion produces acidic combustion products
Ethanol combustion will produce acetic acid and sulfide, which are much more acidic than the combustion products of ordinary gasoline. These acidic substances will be brought into the crankcase below the cylinder as the piston ring moves up and down. The engine oil needs to neutralize these acidic substances, resulting in a continuous increase in the total acid number (TAN) and a decrease in the total base number (TBN). When the total base number drops to a certain level, the engine oil will become acidified and ineffective.
To sum up: After switching to ethanol gasoline, car owners are advised to actively shorten the oil change cycle, or choose more targeted engine oil products.
Three or two common sense about industrial lubricant selection
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