Study on the Impact of Water Contamination of Used Engine Oil

Engine oil is fundamental to the performance and longevity of internal combustion engines, fulfilling critical roles in lubrication, heat dissipation, corrosion prevention, and contaminant suspension. However, water contamination poses a significant and often underestimated threat, ranking among the most destructive pollutants affecting oil stability. This research examines the sources, states, and multifaceted impacts of water ingress on engine oil properties, chemical composition, and overall engine health. Beyond reviewing known mechanisms of degradation, the study introduces a novel experimental approach by investigating the influence of water contamination on the viscosity of used engine oil, a less frequently addressed aspect in the literature. By analyzing real data obtained from practical testing, the work provides new insight into how residual operational by-products interact with water to alter oil behavior, aiming to spark interest in advancing diagnostic methods and preventive practices.