When we buy a vehicle or invest in equipment, the goal is to reach maximum engine performance for the longest amount of time possible. This can only be accomplished when the proper use of oils, greases, fuels and other fluids are maintained on a regular basis. There is so much that is happening under the hood and it all starts with lubrication.
Lubrication, by definition, “is the action of applying a substance such as oil or grease, to an engine or component so as to minimize friction and allow smooth movement.” When you reduce friction, heat, wear and energy consumption, you are protecting your engine and therefore getting the most longevity out of your vehicle or equipment.
The primary function of a lubricant is to cool, clean and prevent friction by providing a boundary layer between two surfaces. The goal is to protect the engine components against damage from heat, contaminants, and metal-to-metal contact. For instance, an oil lubricant will reduce the friction between two sliding surfaces by creating a protective film. This will also help dissipate heat which will keep the engine running cool, resulting in less damage.
Most lubricants consist of a base oil, additives (detergents and dispersants), and viscosity modifiers. The base oil is only that, a base for the additives, and when viscosity modifiers are added, altogether, they blend to provide a full range of protection for your engine.
Acids can cause major trouble for engines. With that being said, if acid starts to corrode engine components, your engine could fail and also lead to big problems for other vital parts. Special detergents in lubricants can help keep these parts more resistant to rusting and further provide a base of protection from damaging acid corrosion.
Soot and sludge are by-products of combustion. If untreated, this soot and sludge will accumulate, plug up and block oil passage to essential engine components. Adding a dispersant to the lubricant can help reduce these particles from becoming larger deposits, further affecting engine efficiency.
As you are seeing while you read further into this blog, lubricants are very important and should be included in your maintenance protocol for all of your vehicles and equipment. Just as you eat “clean” foods to keep your body in optimum shape, it is the same for your engine. You must add lubricants with the proper additives to keep your pistons and oil passages clean from damaging deposits. These detergents added to your lubricants will protect your engine and reduce the effects of heat and oxidation.
Unmanaged friction is a “death sentence” to your engine. Heat build-up and engine wear is inevitable, but how it's managed with additives, will determine the longevity of your engine. Friction modifiers and anti-wear agents can be added to further protect surfaces from damaging friction.
Damaging friction and heat from engine combustion can damage parts and reduce the efficiency of other additives. Simply, heat can cause oxidation, allowing sludge to build up in the oil. This increases the viscosity (or thickness), allowing for deposits to form. Adding antioxidants will help prevent oxidation and it’s damaging effects from soot and sludge.
Bear Oil Company is your answer to higher performing engine lubricants. Offering a large inventory of Chevron, Shell, Omni, Warren and Power Service, you can depend on us to help you protect against engine wear, damage and corrosion while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Selecting the proper lubricant, along with scheduled maintenance, is essential to your overall engine health and lifespan. Here at Bear Oil Company, we know the harsh conditions of South and Central Texas and can help you face these challenges with our quality bulk and packaged lubricants. Contact us, we are your Partners On The Road!
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