What is a characteristic of a non-detergent oil?

Non-detergent oils are specifically designed without additives that help keep contaminants suspended in the oil. As a result, they do not actively clean or keep the engine free from carbon or sludge buildup, which is a key characteristic that differentiates them from detergent oils. The absence of these additives means that when contaminants enter the oil, they can settle to the bottom of the engine instead of being suspended throughout the oil, leading to potential issues such as sludge formation over time.

This characteristic of not keeping contaminants suspended is important for understanding the limitations and appropriate applications of non-detergent oils. They are often used in older engines or in specific industrial applications where the engine design does not require the benefits of a detergent oil for cleanliness or where oil change intervals are frequent. Understanding the role and properties of non-detergent oils is crucial for anyone working with engine maintenance and oil selection.