2. Tribological Aspects of Automotive Engines

There is tremendous requirement for development of compact and fuel efficient automotive engines with reduced emissions. From tribological point of view, automotive engine components such as piston assembly, bearings and valve trains are lubricated and their surface behaviors have been extensively studied. In this chapter, current and future trends of automotive lubrication and requirements from automotive lubricants are discussed in detail. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards are used for selection of automotive lubricants. The lubrication of light weight materials (Al, Mg) was studied, which was used to replace heavier cast iron blocks used presently. In this chapter, future trends of light weighted tribological materials to be used in near future as well as nano tribology are discussed. New trends of tribology in automotive engines were explained and also selections of new lubricant used in advance engines were discussed. The overall studies of tribology of engines components enhance the engine performance.