Choosing the right lubricant is one of the most important steps in keeping any machine running safely and smoothly. But with so many types—oils, greases, and even solid lubricants—it can be confusing to know which one is best for your equipment. Each lubricant has a special job, from reducing friction to protecting parts from heat, rust, and wear.
At Fubex Lubricants, we offer high-quality lubricants for all types of engines. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!
Awais I., Sales Director, says,“Choosing the right lubricant isn’t just about keeping machines running — it’s about reducing wear, controlling heat, and giving your equipment the protection it needs to last longer and perform at its best.”
In this guide, we break everything down in simple terms so you can understand how lubricants work and how to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re caring for small tools or large industrial machines, the right lubrication makes all the difference.
6 Key Factors for Choosing the Right Lubricant
1. Function: What Does the Lubricant Do?
A lubricant has one main job: protect your machine. It helps in many ways, such as:
- Reducing friction so parts don’t get too hot
- Lowering wear so parts last longer
- Stopping rust and corrosion
- Carrying dirt and tiny particles to filters
- Helping control temperature by moving heat away
In some machines, like hydraulic systems, lubricants even help move power.
This means you must know what your machine needs. Does it work under high pressure? Extreme cold? Saltwater? Always choose a lubricant that clearly lists what conditions it can handle.
2. Ingredients: What’s Inside the Lubricant?
You might think lubricants are simple, but they’re not. Oils and greases have many added ingredients that help them work better.
Greases are actually oil mixed with a thickener. The thickener holds the oil like a sponge. Different thickeners help with:
- Heat resistance
- Water resistance
- Pumpability
- Strength under pressure
So always check what type of thickener or additives your lubricant has.
3. Terminology: What Do These Words Mean?
Lubrication has some important terms you should know:
- Viscosity — How thick an oil or grease is
- Kinematic viscosity — A simple way to test how fast oil pours
- Weight — Another measure of how easily oil flows at a certain temperature
- NLGI consistency — How soft or hard a grease is (000 = very runny, 6 = very hard)
- Runout — How well the lubricant handles high heat
- Shear stability — How well the oil keeps its thickness under pressure
- Metal on metal — A very bad condition where no lubricant is left between parts
Understanding these terms helps you pick the right product.
4. Ease of Use
Every machine needs a different way to apply lubrication. Examples:
- A small hinge may only need a simple spray lubricant
- A gearbox may need grease applied by hand
- Hard-to-reach areas may use an automatic lubricator
- Chains may use a continuous lubrication system
If you’re unsure, ask a trusted lubricant expert for advice.
5. Longevity: How Long Will It Last?
All lubricants have a life span. When they get old, they stop working well. If you don’t replace them on time, your machine may face:
- High heat
- Metal-on-metal contact
- Broken bearings
- More downtime and repair costs
Heat is the biggest enemy. Every 10°C (18°F) rise above 65°C (150°F) cuts the lubricant’s life in half.
You should track temperature with digital tools and keep proper lubrication records. Some companies use predictive maintenance (PdM) to check lubricant health and avoid breakdowns. It saves time and money.
6. Cost: Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
Low-cost oils may look like a good deal, but they often cause more problems. For example, cheap mineral oil can:
- Break down fast
- Attract dirt
- Cause slippery floors
- Increase downtime
Instead of only looking at the price on the bottle, think about:
- Machine downtime
- Repair or replacement costs
- Lost production
- Worker safety
If you invested a lot in your equipment, choosing a high-quality lubricant is a smart decision. Lubricants keep machines running smoothly, but not all lubricants are the same. Choosing the wrong one can lead to expensive breakdowns. Think about the machine’s needs, the environment, and the real cost—not just the price tag.
Smart companies treat lubrication as seriously as the machines themselves.
Understanding Lubricants
Lubricants help machines run smoothly by reducing friction and protecting parts. There are different types of lubricants, and each one is made for a special job. Here’s an easy guide to understand them:
Types of Lubricants
1. Oils
- Mineral Oils: These oils come from crude oil. They are the most common oils used in factories and machines because they are affordable and work well under normal conditions.
- Synthetic Oils: These oils are made in a lab. They are designed to handle very hot, very cold, or very tough conditions. Synthetic oils last longer, resist heat better, and can be made for specific machine needs.
- Bio-based Oils: These oils are made from plants or other natural materials. They work almost the same as mineral oils but are safer for the environment because they are biodegradable.
Also Read: Rise of Bio-Based Lubricants: The Future of the Industry
2. Greases
- Soap-based Greases: These greases are made by mixing oil with a soap thickener. This gives the grease a soft, paste-like texture. They are very common and used in many machines, from cars to industrial equipment.
- Non-soap-based Greases: Instead of soap, these greases use materials like clay or polyurea. They are great for places with high heat or heavy pressure because they are more durable.
3. Solid Lubricants
- Graphite: Graphite is a dry, solid lubricant. It works well in places that get extremely hot, where normal oils would burn or evaporate.
- Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS₂): This solid lubricant is very strong and can handle a lot of pressure. It is used in parts that face extreme heat and heavy loads.
4. Specialty Lubricants
- Food-grade Lubricants: These lubricants are safe to use in food factories. They are made with non-toxic ingredients so they won’t harm food if small amounts come in contact with it.
- High-temperature Lubricants: Made for machines that run in very hot environments, these lubricants don’t break down in ovens, furnaces, or high-heat equipment.
Final Takeaways
Choosing the right lubricant may seem small, but it has a big impact on how well your machines work and how long they last. When you understand things like viscosity, additives, heat control, and durability, you can make smarter decisions that protect your equipment and save money in the long run.
At Fubex Lubricants, we focus on quality, reliability, and real performance — so your machines stay strong, safe, and efficient every day. Smart lubrication isn’t just maintenance; it’s an investment in smoother operations and fewer breakdowns.
FAQs
Q1: How does viscosity affect lubricant performance?
Viscosity is how thick or thin a lubricant is. Thick lubricants protect better under heavy pressure. Thin lubricants flow faster, especially in cold temperatures. The right viscosity helps the machine run smoothly.
Q2: What do additives do in lubricants?
Additives are extra ingredients that make the lubricant work better. They help reduce wear, stop rust, keep the machine clean, and prevent dirt from sticking inside the system.
Q3: Why is thermal conductivity important in lubricants?
Thermal conductivity helps the lubricant move heat away from machine parts. This keeps the equipment from overheating and helps it work safely, especially in high-temperature conditions.
Q4: How does shear stability affect lubricant performance?
Shear stability means the lubricant can keep its thickness even when it is under pressure or being pushed around inside the machine. This is important for gears, pumps, and hydraulic systems.
Q5: What is oxidation resistance in lubricants?
Oxidation resistance keeps the lubricant from breaking down when it reacts with air. This helps the lubricant last longer and protects the machine from harmful buildup.
Q6: How does ISO 9001 certification help customers?
ISO 9001 certification shows that a company follows strong quality rules. This means customers get reliable products and better overall service.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.
