Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Oilers/Plant Tenders Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to excel in your civil service test. Start your preparation now!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary role of a lubricating oil in an engine?

To cool engine parts
To prevent corrosion
To reduce friction
To enhance fuel efficiency

The correct answer is: To reduce friction

The primary role of a lubricating oil in an engine is to reduce friction between moving parts. As the engine operates, various components such as pistons, crankshafts, and camshafts move rapidly against one another. This movement generates heat due to friction, which can lead to wear and tear on the engine over time. By providing a thin layer of lubrication, oil minimizes direct contact between these parts, significantly decreasing friction and thereby protecting the engine against damage. While lubricating oils do contribute to cooling the engine parts and may have properties that help prevent corrosion and enhance fuel efficiency, their core function revolves around reducing friction. The lower friction provided by lubricating oil not only improves the longevity of engine components but also helps maintain optimal performance.