“Palm Oil Go Soon Cost Oh, Corolla boys make Una try am give us updates na”: The Trends of Using Palm Oil as lubricating fluid begins in Nigeria

With the increased cost of fuel in the country, many Nigerians have been seeking out alternative ways to keep their vehicles functional. For some, it’s converting their vehicle engine to accommodate compressed natural gas (CNG), while for others (like the one in this video), using palm oil has become their best bet.

This video that was shared online by @automobil_poacher shows the moment a motorcycle owner in Nigeria uses palm oil as an engine oil for his bike. The video shows the man who is happily pouring the substance into the oil area of his vehicle.

The trend of using palm oil instead of engine oil has been making the rounds online, with some others using it to power their generator sets.

Watch the video here

Here are some reactions to the post:

@Generalrozay commented: “Corolla boys make Una try am give us updates na.”

@Harmless107 commented: “Is getting serious oo.”

@Alathegreat1 commented: “Just wondering how the exhaust smoke would scent like.”

@Revswithtammy commented: “Who are these guys, what are they thinking.”

Can I use Palm Oil as lubricating fluid for a car?

Using palm oil as a lubricating fluid for a car is not recommended and is not a common or practical practice. While palm oil is a type of vegetable oil, and vegetable oils have been used historically as lubricants in various applications, they are not suitable for use as engine oil in modern cars. Here are some reasons why using palm oil as a lubricating fluid for a car is not advisable:

1. Viscosity and Temperature: Engine oil needs to maintain a consistent viscosity over a wide range of temperatures, from extreme cold to high heat. Vegetable oils, including palm oil, do not possess the necessary viscosity stability, and temperature resistance required for effective lubrication in modern engines.
2. Additives: Modern engine oils are formulated with a variety of additives to improve their lubricating properties, reduce friction, and provide protection against wear, corrosion, and oxidation. These additives are carefully balanced and tailored to the specific needs of internal combustion engines. Palm oil lacks these additives.
3. Engine Compatibility: Most car engines are designed to work with specific types of engine oil that meet manufacturer specifications. Using an unsuitable oil, such as palm oil, can result in poor engine performance, increased wear and tear, and potential damage to the engine.
4. Warranty Concerns: Using non-standard lubricants like palm oil in a car’s engine could void the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s important to use engine oils that meet the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations to maintain warranty coverage.
5. Maintenance and Longevity: Engine oils have to be changed periodically to remove contaminants and replenish additives. Vegetable oils may break down and degrade more rapidly than specialized engine oils, leading to decreased protection and engine performance.

Palm oil is a type of vegetable oil and has been used for various lubrication purposes, it is not a suitable or recommended substitute for engine oil in a modern car. Using the appropriate engine oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications is essential to ensure the longevity, performance, and warranty coverage of your vehicle.