Friction isn’t something we think about too often, but it is one of the more powerful physical forces out there. Friction helped to wear your engine if you don’t keep it in check. Not only does it contribute to erosion and wear,  but it also creates heat, which can definitely hurt your engine, especially over time. You can reduce engine wear and improve performance by protecting your engine from friction.

Effects of Heat and Friction on Your Engine

Remember that every engine is made up of moving parts. Motor oil keeps these parts from generating too much heat and wearing down the engine. If you don’t reduce engine wear, it loses fuel efficiency and struggles with performance as it ages.

A primary concern of excess friction is the reduction in gas mileage. Heat, oil, fuel efficiency, and friction can all overlap and affect each other in different ways. Oil helps lubricate the parts and allows them to run smoothly. Without oil, energy is lost in the form of friction, reducing its efficiency. Old, contaminated, or insufficient oil levels can all cause more friction, more heat, and less fuel efficiency, since your engine is working harder to compensate for the energy loss.

Aside from a loss of gas mileage, you also put extra strain on your engine when you allow unnecessary friction to take place. This can increase wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of your engine considerably and reducing its performance.

Ways to Reduce Engine Heat and Friction

Below are a few ways to protect your car from heat and friction:

1. Use a Specially Formulated Motor Oil

Some motor oils are specifically designed to address excess heat and friction in engines. Engine Treatment and High-Mileage Engine Treatment are designed to reduce friction in your engine with special cleaning agents and protective additives to keep it running cooler and longer.

2. Keep Your Oil Clean

Read the owner’s manual for your car and follow its directives for how often you should get your oil changed. Remember that certain conditions, like start-and-stop commutes and city driving, can increase how often you should get an oil change.

3. Make Sure Your Coolant Stays Cool

After your engine has cooled, take a look at your coolant. It should be bright and retain its original color, whether that’s green, red or something else. If you spot any particles in the liquid or an oily surface, you may need to flush the system. Keeping your coolant in good condition can help you avoid excessive heat on the engine, especially if high friction is contributing.

4. Review Modern Engine Technology at a High Level

If you’re in the market for a new car, keep an eye out for engines that address heat and friction. Many car manufacturers are adopting new technologies such as cylinder coatings and piston designs that aim to reduce engine friction.

Don’t underestimate the power of reducing engine friction! Knowing how to reduce friction in your car’s engine is vital for increasing its performance and lifetime.