As the winter months approach, it’s essential to prepare your machinery and equipment for the harsh weather conditions ahead. One crucial aspect of this is selecting the right lubricants to keep your operations running smoothly, even in the freezing temperatures.
Here are four tips to help guide your decision in choosing the right winter lubricants.
1. Understand Your Equipment and Application Needs
The first step in selecting the right lubricants for winter is to understand your equipment and application requirements. Different machines have unique demands.
It’s important to consider various factors such as equipment type, load, operating temperature, and expected usage during the colder months.
2. Viscosity Matters
When selecting winter lubricants, one of the most important factors to consider is viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of a lubricant's thickness, and it has a significant impact on its performance in colder temperatures. As temperatures drop, oil tends to become thicker, making it more challenging to flow and properly lubricate your machinery and vehicles.
Look for lubricants with lower viscosity grades, which have a thinner consistency when it's cold, ensuring that they can flow and lubricate effectively even in cold weather.
3. Seek Cold-Weather Additives
Many products come equipped with specialized additives designed to enhance their performance in cold weather. These additives work to prevent oil thickening, maintain fluidity, and preserve lubrication properties
Look for lubricants that incorporate advanced cold-weather additives, such as Mobil Delvac products, that have excellent low-temperature performance and enhanced protection in severe conditions.
4. Pay Attention to Red Flags
We’ve seen a lot over the years while visiting a wide breadth of customers. From leaking equipment to foam spouting out of the fill port of gearboxes, many times it comes down to housekeeping.
If the facilities are unkempt, most likely the equipment is also not in good condition. Common red flags to pick up include pungent smells caused by bacteria and leaking equipment. General cleanliness of a facility makes a huge deal in lubricant performance as well.
Our CEO, Cindie Vanderwall, has always spoken about good housekeeping and maintaining your investments. They can tell a great story if machining fluids are properly cooling and lubricating the machine.
Choosing the right lubricants can be complex. That’s where our expertise comes in. We can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs.
Selecting the right lubricants for the winter months is crucial to keep your machinery running smoothly in harsh conditions. To make the right choice, begin by understanding your equipment’s needs and consult with experts like General Petroleum for personalized recommendations.
Reach out to one of our experienced team members today.