Understanding the API classifications for automotive gear oils.

Anyone that’s ever read their cars handbook or had a look at the fluids spec sheet will have seen that gear oils all have the prefix API: What do these API classifications for automotive gear oils mean?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) service designations are based on the type of service in which components will be used. The designations are utilized by manufacturers to select lubricants for particular gear types and operating conditions.

No attempt is made by the API classification system to

Making the best lubricant choice for the environment can improve efficiency.

Unfortunately oil has long been associated with pollution and damage, but this can be turned around by consciously choosing the best oil for the environment.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to reduce the impact by changing the way lubricants are being used and even by making more use of synthetic lubricants.

For example, oil in equipment should not be

Why is selecting the best synthetic compressor oil so important?

With the widespread use of dynamic, reciprocating and rotary compressors it’s not always easy choosing the best synthetic compressor oil for the application.

Lubrication requirements vary considerably, depending not only on the type of compressor but also the gas which is being compressed. In general, air and gas compressors are mechanically similar.

Thus, the main difference is in the effect of the gas on the lubricant

Have you ever tried to define what is lubrication?

We all have a pretty good idea of what lubrication is, but the term has come to mean a lot more than overcoming friction and wear. The official dictionary definition of what lubrication is, is; the application of an oily or greasy substance in order to diminish friction.

What is a lubricant?

Oil and grease are the most common lubricants. Grease is composed of oil and a thickening agent to obtain its consistency, while the oil is what actually lubricates.

Oils can be synthetic, vegetable or mineral-based as well as a combination of these. The application determines which oil, commonly referred to as the base oil, should be used. In extreme conditions, synthetic oils can be

Do thinner motor oils offer better fuel economy and less wear?

Although synthetic motor oils are increasingly being used, mineral lubricants are probably still in the majority which often leads to a discussion around the best engine oil viscosity for the application and whether thinner motor oils hold any meaningful benefits for the motorist.

Conventional wisdom states that engine oils that increase fuel

Are PAO’s the best synthetic base stock oil for engine oils?

Although PAO’s are commonly used, are they really the best synthetic base stock for engine oil? And why are PAG’s not commonly used as synthetic base stock for engine oils?

Polyalkylene glycols or PAG base oils are types of synthetic base stocks. While synthetic engine oils are becoming

Do anti-friction metal conditioners really work?

We’ve all read the anti-friction metal conditioner claims that they save energy, reduce operational costs, increase power and torque, lower operating temperatures, decrease wear and downtime, and provide easier cold-weather operation. In short a miracle in a bottle.

These anti-friction metal conditioners must not be confused with other oil additive packages normally used in the formulation