Contents 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Lubricating oils 12.2.1 Mineral oils 12.2.2 Synthetic oils 12.3 Viscosity—its significance in lubrication 12.3.1 Viscosity and coefficient of friction 12.3.2 Viscosity measurement and units 12.3.3 Change in viscosity with temperature and pressure 12.3.4 Viscosity classification 12.3.5 Low-temperature viscosity and ease of starting 12.3.6 Viscosity at running temperatures; friction losses and oil consumption 12.4 Additives 12.5 Oil deterioration 12.6 Operational problems 12.6.1 Piston deposits 12.6.2 Engine wear 12.6.3 Bearing corrosion 12.6.4 Sludge 12.7 API classification 12.8 Engine tests and associated specifications 12.8.1 Engine test rating 12.9 Laboratory inspection tests 12.10 Spot tests Acknowledgement References Abbreviations 21761_12