What is one effect of contamination on components?

Contamination can significantly impact the performance and longevity of components, often leading to corrosion. When foreign materials, such as water, dirt, or chemical substances, come into contact with metal surfaces, they can initiate or accelerate oxidative reactions. This corrosion process compromises the integrity of the components, potentially leading to failure, increased wear and tear, and other detrimental effects.

In contrast, increased efficiency, stable viscosity, and enhanced lubricity are generally characteristics or outcomes that would not result from contamination. Instead, contamination typically hinders efficiency by causing wear or friction, leads to unpredictable changes in fluid properties like viscosity, and reduces lubricity by introducing abrasive particles or harmful chemicals that degrade the lubricating films necessary for proper operation.