Automotive lubricants are essential for the well-being of your car. Lubricants reduce friction in the engine, prevent corrosion, and protect the engine oil. Lubricants require specialized handling and storage to protect the quality and avoid contamination that can damage a vehicle. For example, gear oil contamination can result in permanent corrosion to the metal components and poorly impact vehicle performance.
Explore the fundamental safety tips for handling and storing automotive lubricants to avoid oil contamination and prolong the life of your vehicle.
Check Expiry Dates
Lubricants have a shelf life and can cause poor vehicle performance if used after their expiration date. Routinely examine the expiry date provided on the label between uses. It’s also useful to copy the expiry dates down since the print on lubricant bottles can fade.
Label the Lubricants
Since the labels on automotive lubricants tend to fade from use, it’s good practice to label them with an anti-warping label to avoid using the wrong lubricant during vehicle maintenance. Applying labels to lubricant bottles also helps keep them organized in an enclosed space.
Use Separate Storage
Automotive lubricants require separate storage to protect them from dirt, debris, and other substances. Designate an enclosed space for your lubricants to protect the quality and avoid the risk of spills. Read the manufacturing label on a lubricant to help determine the best way to store it.
Practice Quality Control
When handling automotive lubricants, it’s important to analyze their contents to know the concentration levels, additives used, and overall quality levels. Practice quality control to confirm if the type of lubricant you’re using meets the claims of its supplier and the needs of your vehicle.
Proper Dispensing Equipment
The best way to prevent lubricant contamination is by using proper dispensing equipment. Each piece of equipment helps ensure lubricant enters your vehicle without contamination. It’s important to purchase the right type of equipment depending on the lubricant you’re dispensing. Improper use of dispensing equipment increases the risk of lubricant contamination.
These safety tips for handling and storing automotive lubricants provide an overview of using automotive lubricants appropriately, but don’t cover the specific requirements of your automobile. Be sure to review your specific vehicle’s maintenance manual to confirm the authorized or standard lubricant recommended by the manufacturer for optimal results.
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