Lubrication Facts & Knowledge

Most car oil filters can trap particles smaller than a grain of salt, catching debris as tiny as 25-40 micrometers. During each oil change interval, a typical filter can collect several grams of dirt, metal...

Power transformers use special mineral oil not just for cooling but as an electrical insulator. The oil prevents electricity from arcing between high-voltage components while transferring heat away from the transformer's core....

Piano technicians use extremely small amounts of specialized lubricants on the thousands of moving wooden and felt parts inside a piano. Over-lubrication is actually worse than under-lubrication because excess oil attracts dust and causes the felt...

Hydraulic oil in construction equipment like excavators can reach pressures over 3,000 PSI, allowing a small pump to generate enormous lifting force. The oil doesn't compress under this pressure, which is why it can transfer power so effectively....

Grease is classified by thickness using numbers from 000 to 6, where 000 flows like cooking oil and 6 is nearly solid like a hard soap. Most automotive greases are grade 2, which has a peanut butter-like consistency that stays in...

Submarine periscopes require special lubricants that work in extremely salty conditions while maintaining crystal-clear optical windows. The lubricants must withstand pressure changes from surface to deep water without creating bubbles or fog. Modern...

Modern lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles use special thermal greases between cells to prevent dangerous hot spots. These greases must conduct heat efficiently while resisting temperatures up to 200°C and remaining stable for...

Skateboard bearings spin at incredibly high speeds during tricks and require special lightweight oils or dry lubricants to avoid collecting dirt. Too much lubricant actually slows bearings down, which is why many skaters prefer minimal lubrication or...

Used motor oil never actually wears out - only the additives get depleted and contaminants build up. Through re-refining, old oil can be cleaned and restored to like-new quality, sometimes exceeding virgin oil standards. A...

When engine oil gets whipped by fast-moving engine parts, it can turn foamy like a milkshake, trapping tiny air bubbles inside. This foam is a serious problem because bubbles compress under pressure, making the oil lose its ability to protect metal...