There are many types of auto lubricants and choosing the right one can help you make sure that the parts of your car aren’t destroyed. You want to do your research and choose the right lubricant company in order to find the right option.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is a very common type of automotive oil used. Vehicle manufacturers recommend that you replace motor oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. There are certain additives used that help prevents any breakdown and corrosion of parts. There are also different types of viscosity, which is the thickness of the oil. Small numbers indicate the oil is thinner, which makes it easier to flow. It’s recommended that when changing out the oil you choose multi-grade oil so that it can keep the viscosity rating when the oil is at different temperatures. There are plenty of lube oil suppliers to choose from, so make sure you are choosing the right one for your vehicle.
Gear Oil
This oil is typically used in the manual transmission, and when high-temperature lubricant is needed. This type of oil has a smell that is noticeable so you can detect a leak.
Transmission Fluid
This type of fluid can help prevent many problems. It will help lubricate the parts in the transmission and helps cool off the transmission to prevent corrosion of the engine. You should check transmission fluid with the vehicle on and with the car on a surface that is flat and level. There is a bright color to help detect leaks. You can check the transmission fluid using the dipstick that is found near the back of the engine compartment.
Wheel Bearing and Chassis Grease
This is the common automotive grease that is used and probably the most recognizable. It can be found in suspension and steering joints. This grease is needed to prevent too much wear on the suspension. In order to properly lubricate the suspension, you can find this grease in a tube that can be added to a grease gun. This grease gun will then be attached to the grease fittings, and the grease fittings on are the areas that need lubrication. This grease should not be used on vehicles with disc brakes because it is not high-temperature grease.
High-Temperature Wheel Bearing Grease
Use this type for areas that have high temperatures. This is the type of grease you should use with disc brakes. This grease will contain an additive that helps it remain slippery, even as the grease is dried.
White Grease
This grease is used for metal applications where water could be an issue. Water can’t wash away this grease and it can’t be diluted, which makes it good to use for high-temperature areas.
Electronic Grease
Also called heat sink grease, this grease doesn’t conduct electricity so it’s used on electronic connections.
Penetration Lubricants
This lube oil helps to loosen rusted and corroded bolts and nuts and can be found in an aerosol can. It should be soaked in after application. Once it is soaked in, the treads should be clean and then it should be reapplied in order to get the bolts and nuts free.
Graphite
This should be used to help lubricate any parts that shouldn’t be exposed to oils. A common place where this should be used is indoor locks.
It’s important to listen to the automotive oil manufacturers recommendations on what lubricants should be used and where. It’s important to choose the type and grade of lubricant that is needed. The brand doesn’t matter, but there are some good brands to consider, which include Shield Lubricants and Kuwait Oil.
