Reliability modelling and analysis of automobile engine oil

Abstract

The paper proposes a procedure for reliability analysis of oil used for engine lubrication in wheeled vehicles. Lubricating oil is considered as an important component of an engine system, and topping-up is considered in relation to preventive maintenance actions carried out for oil maintenance. The actual topping-up quantity and the periodicity have been used as data for reliability analysis using parametric and non-parametric techniques. The test procedures use statistical models ‘fitted’ to experimental data. For the case of a multigrade mineral oil, the Weibull distribution is shown to produce superior estimates. This paper also discusses how to use the proposed methodology for decision-making about oil changes and oil performance.