How to effectively use synthetic lubricants

Synthetic lubricants offer savings on oil changes, maintenance and fuel offsetting its higher costs. However, the decision to use synthetics depends on the vehicle’s usage and application.

Synthetic lubricants are used in industrial and off-highway applications, including heavy-duty engines, transmissions, and gears. These lubricants have a good rep for offering longer drain intervals, improved fuel efficiency, and better wear protection. However, it is more expensive than mineral-based oils. But the question remains: should you use it when you have a broad mix of equipment? 

Here are some points to consider:

• For construction or mining equipment, where there is a lot of short driving, stopping, and starting, there will be a fair amount of fuel dilution, as well as water contamination, which means there will be a need to change the oil frequently. In such scenarios, it is not cost-effective to use synthetics.
  
• For the on-highway vehicle segment, where there is scope for longer drives while avoiding contamination synthetics will work well since there will be the added benefits of extended drains, fuel efficiency, and better wear protection.
  
• In gear and transmission fluids too, if one avoids excessive contamination, one might benefit from the use of synthetics. If the equipment is exposed to extreme dirt and dust or water spray, one might need to change the lubricant since synthetics wouldn’t be the right choice.
  
• The performance benefits of synthetics are most evident when operating in extremely low or high temperatures. In cold temperature environments, synthetics help with equipment start-up and wear protection, while at higher temperatures, synthetics won’t thin out as quickly as mineral oils.
  
• Synthetics maintain their viscosity better as the oil heats up, and they resist oxidation and breakdown that can occur with mineral oils at higher temperatures.
  
• In worm gear sets, which are essentially less efficient, synthetics are effective since they deliver better frictional performance and energy efficiency.
  
• Remember, the decision to use synthetics depends on the application, how the equipment is operated, exposure to contamination, and operating temperatures.
•  If you want to switch to a full synthetic, heavy duty engine oil, ensure its compatibility with the seals, paints, and filters in your equipment, as well as with the previously used mineral oil.

Using a single lubricant across as many applications as possible could be the simpler choice, but one can save a lot of money by knowing where synthetics can prove beneficial and where it’s more economical to stick with mineral oils.