So often, we take things like engine lubricants for granted. After all, these products work “behind the scenes” inside automotive and commercial grade engines. They provide tireless service keeping vital parts properly lubricated and clean. From time to time, you may have questions about products and Shell Oil distributors are there with the answers. Here are three of the most common questions people ask.
What is Viscosity so Important?
Viscosity is all about the thickness of the fluid and its flow resistance. For instance, if you have a cup of syrup and a cup of tea, the syrup has more viscosity. However, syrup’s thickness can vary a great deal according to the weather. In summertime it can be thin and runny. In winter it may be so thick it won’t hardly flow. The same is true with engine oil and as an engine generates heat, viscosity can lessen and this affects a fluid’s ability to lubricate. Proper viscosity is important at all times for lubricants.
To counteract natural viscosity lowering at higher temperatures, special additives are included in high grade lubricants (provided by Shell Oil distributors). In fact, it makes the fluids become thicker (instead of thinner) with heat. In addition, as temperatures drop, fluids tend to thicken and special lubricants allow oil to flow when it is very cold. This provides maximum lubrication and lessens wear and tear on internal parts.
What is Synthetic Oil?
Engine oils can be synthetic, mineral based or a combination of both. Mineral based lubricants are processed from crude oil extracted from the earth.
In the 1930s, a doctor in Germany began experimenting with lubricants to create something which would stay fluid and lubricate properly in both hot and cold conditions. By the time World War II started, petroleum resources were at a premium and synthetic motor oils were developed for aircraft engines. They utilized synthetically produced esters (special chemical compounds). Today synthetically produced oils from Shell Oil distributors are high grade and capable of delivering exceptional lubrication in a wide range of conditions.
What’s the Value of Detergent Motor Oils?
If engine lubricants didn’t contain cleansing additives, dirt and grime would easily collect on parts and this can kill an engine long before its time. Special additives work to keep oil clean and this is why you can take fresh motor oil and use it to clean grease or dirt from your hands.
These are only three of many questions Shell Oil distributors receive each month. Your lubricant provider is there with many fine products and services and is more than happy to answer your questions.
