Do you know how to choose the right base oil for your vehicle, equipment, or component? If you think that choosing a synthetic oil is a one-size-fits-all solution, then you might be unintentionally causing damage to your machinery and fleet.
In fact, it’s a common misconception that synthetic oils are just “close enough” to meet the needs of the whole fleet. Synthetics have a reputation for lasting longer, and durability under extreme conditions. While that might be true, that doesn’t mean you can safely choose a synthetic in every condition.
Instead, you have to take into account factors that include the age of the equipment or vehicle, use and conditions, and amount of wear already sustained. Why?
Some of the main benefits to synthetics can also be a drawback under certain conditions. For example, if you have a construction vehicle that is operating under conditions that would encourage oil contamination — think wind, water, dust, and debris — then the oil is more likely to need to be changed regularly. Same goes for short drive situations that can lead to condensation.
Use of a synthetic under these conditions would give a false sense of security and discourage changes at the rate needed to manage contamination issues. Synthetics are more expensive than mineral oils, so under those conditions a less expensive base oil would be the smarter choice.
Other issues? Let’s say you have an older vehicle, or a piece of equipment that has significant wear. Synthetics are not always compatible with seals, filters, and paints in equipment, and/or previously used mineral oils. So, if you choose to introduce a synthetic into an older vehicle without taking the history into account, you could be causing preventable damage and expensive equipment failure.
If you own a fleet of vehicles, each will likely have different specification for oil, OEM cleanliness standards, and other requirements based on maintenance history. It would be a mistake to assume that synthetics will be a match for each, as tempting as it might be to want to take the easier road and find a fast fix.
Instead, it pays to take the time to determine whether a mineral base oil would be a better fit. Here at Greg’s Petroleum Service, we can help you learn more about what you need to know about base oils in lubricants to maximize fleet efficiency.
We hope this information helps when considering the choice to make for your vehicles. As your commercial fuel and lubricant supplier, we have answers to your questions and can make great recommendations. We encourage you to get in touch!
About Us:
It’s always best practice to spend a little time getting to know more about the base oil you choose. And if you need additional information, please know that the team at Greg’s Petro is here to help. As your commercial fuel and lubricant suppliers in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura, California areas, we are available to help answer any questions you might have. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more.