The word ¨grease¨ may not have the most positive connotation in many areas but when it comes to cars and machinery it is can definitely be a good thing. Using grease to protect your chassis and other areas of your vehicle or machinery is necessary, so read on to find out how to select the right type of grease.

Grease Is Necessary

Like it or not, grease is a fundamental part of the lubrication that vehicles and other machinery require. Its job is similar to that of oil but with a very different application and form. There are numerous types of grease used for lubrication and each provides different benefits and levels of coverage. In a previous post, we mentioned some of the different types of grease and what uses they are most beneficial for. Today, we want to touch on the subject again to explain some of the differences between conventional grease and synthetic grease and how to choose the right one.

The Main Components of Grease

Grease is made up of three main components: the base oil, additives, and thickeners. Together, all of this forms a thick lubricant that has a very high viscosity. The base oil along with the additives are what determine the level of protection, friction coverage and what application it is best used for. Synthetic grease is made with a base oil that is synthetic and that allows the grease to provide a higher level of protection against more factors than that of regular grease. Synthetic grease has better oxidation resistance aswell as an unbeatable protection in extreme temperatures. This type of grease is also preferred when it comes to automatic lubrication dispensing systems that require a more effective mobility of lubrication when in colder temperatures.

Synthetic Grease

Synthetic grease although sometimes more pricey is worth every penny because it provides unbeatable benefits and allows you to protect the most vulnerable parts of your machinery or vehicle from the dangers of friction. AMSOIL provides a  reliable line of synthetic grease varieties. Each created with different specifications in mind so that you can protect the area you need to with complete confidence that it will get the job done. Contact Hartmans Inc today at (316) 686-1069 and let them help you select the right type of grease for your machinery or vehicle.

Grease Thickeners

Thickeners are what distinguish grease from oil and it is what helps build that semi-solid consistency in grease. Most thickeners nowadays are soaps and there are a few complexes that are also used. These complexes are made up of a mix of elements that allow the base oil to be much more efficient in lubricating, especially when there is a great amount of heat because it prevents the grease from easily melting.

Consistency Grade of Grease

Similarly to how the oil viscosity of a motor oil lubricant is specified in the oil grade. The consistency of grease is specified through the NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) grade. The NLGI grade is a number specified on the grease container or lube tube and it ranges from 000 to 6. Usually 000 means fluid, 00 means semi-fluid, 0 means very soft, 1  is a soft consistency kind of like tomato paste and 2 is what the most common car grease consistency, its thick but not excessively, kind of like peanut butter. A NLGI grade of 3 is usually  firm and 4-5 are hard while 6 is a very hard block-like blob that is not easily melted.

You Need to Consider All the Factors When Choosing Grease

You cannot base your decision solely on the NLGI grade. You must also take into consideration other determinant factors like the actual application, the speed or load, the operating temperature range, the exposure to contaminants, and other similar factors. These are all things to consider in order to obtain the ideal grease to cover your needs. It isn´t the same to use a grease of NLGI grade of 2 in a motor boat than it is to use it in a racing car. The application, environment, operating temperatures, and other factors will play a big role on what grease you need to use. Each is designed with all different types of additives to match the application. Whether it be a water-proof grease such as AMSOIL´S Synthetic Water Resistant Grease or one used for racing applications like their DOMINATOR® Synthetic Racing Grease.

The Best Grease and Motor Oil for Your Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita, KS

The best way to choose the ideal grease that maximizes protection and that truly provides all the benefits you need, is to select a reliable brand such as AMSOIL and contact a distributor that can guide you. At Hartmans Inc they are always happy to assist you and provide the best recommendations based on all the factors. Contact them today at (316) 686-1069.