Oil Baffles

Oil baffles are internal components typically installed within the oil pan of an engine. Their primary function is to control the movement of engine oil, especially during rapid acceleration, hard cornering, or sudden braking. Without a baffle, oil can slosh away from the pickup tube, leading to momentary oil starvation which can cause serious engine wear or failure.

A typical oil baffle plate or oil pan baffle acts as a barrier that helps retain oil near the pickup area, ensuring consistent oil pressure and lubrication throughout various driving conditions. Some performance engines also use a windage tray, which works alongside the baffle to reduce oil aeration caused by the rotating crankshaft.

In high-performance or motorsport applications, installing an oil control baffle is a common upgrade to improve engine reliability. Additionally, in some setups, a baffled oil catch can may be used to prevent oil vapors from re-entering the intake system, which contributes to cleaner combustion and reduced carbon buildup.