Whether you’re a regular car nut or a die-hard automotive aficionado, you would most probably have that itch to just pop up the hood of your car from time to time. Maybe you’ve studied every nut and bolt, maybe not. Chances are, you just really want to get more up close and personal with your trusty vehicle.
However, do you know that there are specific handling techniques that you should observe when tinkering with your car? For example, did you know that multi-purpose automotive grease or particular automotive grease products need to be handled and stored in specific ways?
Smooth Operator
Automotive greases primarily exist to ensure that moving parts in the car are properly lubricated. Without proper lubrication, these car components will likely increase power consumption, or worse, damage the parts.
While there are different kinds of grease for different applications and parts, each one should be able to perform according to standards. This means greases must be able to withstand constant friction and temperature without leaking out due to gravity, centrifugal force, or extreme pressure. Lubricants like automotive grease help cool the pistons and control wear in the engine. At the same time, they also act as protection from rust and combustion gases.
There are various types of grease for automotive use. The most common kind is multi-purpose grease that is typically used for chassis components where heat is not a problem. This type is also highly resistant to water. It is not advisable to use this kind of grease for wheel bearings or for other applications that have direct exposure to high heat.
Top 5 Tips for Handling and Storing Automotive Lubricants
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While you are encouraged to bring your car to a reputable service center for periodic car maintenance service, there may be times when you might have to do some basic fiddling. If this happens, you need to be mindful of how you handle items, especially substances that may be dangerous if left lying around.
Here are some simple tips for handling and storing automotive lubricants:
1. Designate an Area for Storage
As much as possible, assign a proper storage area in your garage or property where your lubricants can be safely stored. The basic rule of thumb will be to have a clean and dry enclosed room that is protected from the elements. A constant moderate temperature is ideal as fluctuating temperatures can affect the quality of the grease or lubricant. If it is unavoidable to keep them outdoors, make sure the containers are protected from heat, rain, or snow. They should be protected from dust and humidity.
Store the containers in a horizontal position on proper storage racks as much as possible. This will allow for regular rotation and enable you to use the containers on a first-in, first-out basis.
2. Label the Lubricants
Make sure to properly identify each container to avoid confusion. Along with lubricant mismanagement, confusion may also lead to cross-contamination.
To avoid this, ensure that you label each container in such a way that it will not be easily worn out over time. It must be easily readable with either alpha or numeric identification. You can also resort to color-coding for additional organization.
3. Check the Shelf Life
Different lubricants or automotive greases have different shelf lives. You have to remember to check the specific shelf life information from the supplier or manufacturer’s product sheet or website.
It will also help if you can properly record when you purchased the grease as well as when you first opened it. Doing so will let you know when it is still good for use or not. If the grease is past its shelf life, then performance may be compromised and could potentially damage the parts.
4. Get Proper Dispensing Equipment
Contamination may occur during ingress if you do not have the correct dispensing equipment. If you want your grease to perform in peak form, make sure to buy the right dispensing equipment so it can be properly applied.
Should you also have a large bulk of grease or lubricant in your care, then it will be best to buy bung or filter breathers for opened containers. You must be wary of contamination once you have broken a container’s seal.
5. Purchase Lubricant from a Reputable Supplier
Make sure to purchase your greases, oils, and other forms of lubricants from a reputable supplier to ensure its authenticity and quality. Getting your supply from highly regarded manufacturers will ensure you of quality and performance that you most likely expect plus, you can solicit more helpful advice from the supplier as to how you could utilize it.
At the same time, make sure to also analyze and observe the product. Conscious examination and regular testing can assure you that the product is still up to par.
Just Keep on Rollin’
Ensuring that you get the proper lubricant or grease for your vehicle will make a world of difference when it comes to performance and even fuel consumption. Just as you are careful with how you handle and keep your car safe, your attitude should be the same when handling lubricants and other substances that keep your car running smoothly. Make sure that proper care is taken so you can have a more enjoyable car-owning experience.
Tips for Storing Automotive Lubricants
