What is typically true about contamination build-up in engine oil?

Contamination build-up in engine oil can significantly compromise engine health and performance, making it crucial to manage. The correct understanding of this situation is that contaminants, such as dirt, metal particles, moisture, and combustion byproducts, degrade the oil's effectiveness. As these substances accumulate, they can lead to increased friction, overheating, and ultimately, mechanical failure within the engine components. Thus, untreated contamination can accelerate wear and tear and may necessitate costly repairs or even engine replacement.

Addressing the other options helps clarify why they do not hold true. Better lubrication cannot result from contamination, as impurities disrupt the oil's ability to form a protective barrier. Also, while it might be easy to think that higher-grade oils could simply resolve the issue, they don’t eliminate contamination once it occurs; they may provide better resistance to breakdown, but they can't neutralize impurities already present. Finally, contamination invariably affects engine performance, leading to reduced efficiency, power loss, and potential breakdowns, which illustrates the critical importance of regular oil changes and maintenance in combating these effects.