Maintenance Lubricants & Oil Solutions

Lubrication in maintenance is the controlled application of an oil, grease, or specialist lubricant to moving machinery components. Its main purpose is to create a protective film between surfaces, helping to reduce friction, heat and wear.

The correct maintenance lubricant can also protect machinery against corrosion and contamination, reduce energy loss, and extend the operating life of bearings, gears, chains and other components.

There is no single best automotive maintenance lubricant brand for every application. The most suitable product should be selected according to the vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s specifications, the component being treated, and the conditions in which it operates.

Established brands available from Lubricants SW include:

• Petro-Canada: Engine oils, greases, gear oils, hydraulic oils and other maintenance fluids for vehicle, plant, and machinery applications.
• TYGRIS: Automotive and workshop aerosols, including brake and clutch cleaners, engine degreasers, battery terminal protectors, penetrating oils, silicone lubricants, and motorcycle chain wax.
• Ambersil: Professional maintenance aerosols for lubrication, cleaning, corrosion protection, and workshop applications.
• New Tech Lubes: General maintenance and value aerosol products for a range of commercial and workshop tasks.

Rather than selecting a product solely from reviews or brand recognition, check the required viscosity, grease grade, performance specifications, and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approvals. The Lubricants SW team can help identify a suitable product for a particular vehicle, component, or application.

There is no single greasing interval suitable for every industrial bearing. The correct frequency depends on a number of factors including:

• The bearing type and size
• Operating speed and load
• Working temperature
• Hours of operation
• The type of grease used
• Exposure to water, dust, and other contaminants
• The bearing housing and sealing arrangement

The manufacturer’s recommendations should provide the starting point. Lubrication intervals may then need to be adjusted according to the actual operating environment and the condition of the equipment.

Bearings exposed to high temperatures, heavy loads, moisture, or contamination generally require more frequent attention.

Start by checking the machinery manufacturer’s manual for the required lubricant type, viscosity, and relevant performance specifications.

You should also consider:

• Operating temperature
• Component speed
• Load and shock loading
• Exposure to water, dust or chemicals
• The required resistance to corrosion
• Compatibility with seals and other materials
• How the lubricant will be applied
• Existing oils or greases already in the machinery

Lubricating oil is a fluid that can flow through machinery, transfer heat, and carry contaminants away from moving components. It is commonly used in engines, hydraulic systems, gearboxes, compressors, and circulating lubrication systems.

Grease combines a lubricating base oil with a thickener and additives. Its semi-solid consistency helps it remain in place, making it particularly useful for bearings, joints, and components where oil would leak away or be difficult to retain.

Grease can also provide some protection against moisture and contamination. However, it does not circulate or remove heat as effectively as oil. The correct choice depends on the equipment design, operating speed, temperature, and maintenance requirements.

Yes. Over-greasing can be just as damaging as applying too little grease.

Excess grease can cause the bearing components to churn through the lubricant, increasing friction and operating temperature. This may damage seals, force grease into unwanted areas, and shorten both grease and bearing life.

Grease should only be applied in carefully controlled quantities. Where appropriate, excess lubricant should be allowed to escape through a drain or relief point. Small amounts applied at suitable intervals are often preferable to filling the entire bearing housing unnecessarily.

Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions or obtain advice based on the bearing dimensions and operating conditions.

Different greases should not be mixed unless you are absolutely sure they are compatible.

Since greases contain different base oils, thickeners, and additive systems, the mixture may soften, harden, or separate when incompatible products are combined. In turn, this can cause leakage, poor lubricant distribution, reduced protection and even equipment failure.

When changing to a different grease, it is usually best to remove or flush out as much of the previous product as reasonably possible. You should then introduce the new grease according to the machinery manufacturer’s guidance.