Lubricants – The Different Types and Uses of Lubricants

Lubricants primary purpose includes the reduction of friction between moving parts and surfaces.

It is for this reason that they are essential, particularly in regards to the functionality and maintenance particularly within various operations and types of machinery.

Lubricants – Their Common Characteristics


Generally acknowledged to fulfil a strong need and requirement in various instances and situations it is the characteristics of lubricants that make them so effective and suitable for fulfilling the role that they do. These characteristics traditionally include; the prevention and reduction of corrosion, High tolerance to increased temperatures an immunity to very low and freezing temperatures and a high tolerance to oxidation and other changes in state.

Motor Oil Lubricants

One of the most common and well known lubricants and usages includes that of motor oil. Motor oil is specifically used in engines a variety of different engines and types of machinery, preserving quality aiding functionality, reducing unnecessary wear and is the sole reason for prolonged and continued use.

Lubricants achieve this through a variety of methods and applications of characteristics  of application. By separating the moving parts in a system, they have the benefit of reducing the friction and reducing the heat generated by the relevant activity.

Liquid and Non-Liquid Lubricants

There are two main types of lubricants,  one being liquid and one the other being non-liquid. Liquid lubricants are characteristically made up of a 90% oil base and contain a variety of liquids in their make-up. The liquid composition allows for improvements in corrosion risk and various effects including wearing and damage through contamination. The other main type of lubricants include non-liquid and include various types of grease various others readily used in plumbing and other well known professions.

Handling & Storage of Lubricants

Just like other substances, lubricants require careful handling and monitoring, working with lubricant suppliers can help you avoid contamination. They should always be used with the greatest of care and avoid being contaminated by keeping them away from foreign objects or particular changes in temperature that may affect their performance in any way. By ensuring they are treated with care and respect they will continue to serve you well time and time again.

Lubricants – in Summary

To conclude, lubricants are used to aid in the movement and operation of machinery, with one of the most well known applications being motor oil. They primarily achieve this through their characteristic make-up which helps to prevent corrosion accentuate movement and prevent the unnecessary waring of key components particularly in engines. By using lubricants in this way overall performance of the relevant component is improved and continues to last longer than those with less protection or even none at all. Maintaining the quality standard of lubricants is essential and if they are looked after in this way they will continue to serve you well, fulfilling their required task.