How the Right Lubricant Supplier Can Improve Preventive Maintenance

1. How the Right Lubricant Supplier Can How the Right Lubricant Supplier Can Improve Preventive Maintenance Improve Preventive Maintenance Table of Contents The Link Between Lubrication and Preventive Maintenance ................................................................... 2 Expert Product Matching .......................................................................................................................... 2 On-Time Delivery of Bulk Lubricants......................................................................................................... 3 Support for Lubrication Program Design .................................................................................................. 3 Oil Analysis and Monitoring Services ........................................................................................................ 3 Training and Technical Support ................................................................................................................ 4 Equipment Audits and Lubrication Surveys .............................................................................................. 5 Waste Management and Compliance....................................................................................................... 5 Final Thoughts ........................................................................................................................................... 5 FAQs: Lubricant Suppliers and Preventive Maintenance .......................................................................... 5 Why not just buy lubricants in smaller packages from retailers? ......................................................... 6 How often should oil analysis be performed? ...................................................................................... 6 Can the wrong lubricant void equipment warranties? ......................................................................... 6 What are signs that a lubricant program isn’t working? ...................................................................... 7 How can a lubricant supplier save money in the long term? ............................................................... 7 Preventive maintenance is the backbone of equipment reliability and operational efficiency. Whether in manufacturing, transportation, construction, or agriculture, consistent maintenance minimizes downtime, extends equipment life, and reduces long-term costs. At the heart of effective preventive maintenance is one crucial factor: lubrication. More specifically, it’s the lubricant suppliers you choose that often determine how well your lubrication strategy performs. Partnering with the right lubricant suppliers goes beyond product delivery. They bring technical support, tailored solutions, and proactive systems that help ensure your maintenance routines are not only timely but also aligned with equipment needs and industry standards. Here, we’ll explore how trusted lubricant suppliers can significantly enhance preventive maintenance outcomes by providing the right oil lubricants, bulk lubricants, services, and insights. 1

2. The Link Between Lubrication and Preventive Maintenance Lubrication is central to reducing friction, controlling temperature, preventing wear, and avoiding contamination in engines and moving parts. However, not all lubrication practices are created equal. Using the wrong oil lubricants, applying them inconsistently, or ignoring environmental factors can accelerate wear, degrade performance, and lead to costly breakdowns. Preventive maintenance involves routine tasks designed to prevent equipment failure before it happens. This includes changing or topping off lubricants at scheduled intervals, monitoring fluid quality, and ensuring the proper application of the correct product. That’s where professional lubricant suppliers come in. Expert Product Matching Reliable lubricant suppliers help match the right lubricant to the right machine. From viscosity grades to additive packages, choosing a product tailored to your equipment’s operating conditions ensures optimal performance. A good supplier will: Recommend OEM-approved oil lubricants Account for operating temperatures and load conditions Advise on synthetic vs. mineral-based oils Help prevent over- or under-lubrication 2

3. This expert guidance ensures that your maintenance team isn't just following a calendar but actually optimizing performance and protection. On-Time Delivery of Bulk Lubricants Preventive maintenance is only effective when you have the right products available at the right time. Missed lubricant deliveries can delay scheduled maintenance and lead to skipped tasks— putting equipment at risk. The best lubricant suppliers offer: Scheduled deliveries of bulk lubricants Emergency supply solutions Auto-replenishment based on consumption trends Real-time inventory monitoring This reliability supports seamless preventive maintenance by ensuring the continuous availability of essential lubricants. Support for Lubrication Program Design Preventive maintenance works best when supported by a formal lubrication program. Lubricant suppliers often provide assistance in designing such programs, including: Lubrication charts by equipment type Greasing schedules Oil change intervals based on application Identification of lubrication points With structured plans and clear procedures, your maintenance team can reduce guesswork and apply the correct products efficiently and consistently. Oil Analysis and Monitoring Services Leading lubricant suppliers provide oil sampling and analysis as part of their preventive maintenance support. These services help identify problems before they become serious, such as: Contamination (e.g., dirt, coolant, water) Metal wear particles Oxidation or viscosity breakdown Additive depletion 3

4. By regularly monitoring the condition of your lubricants, you can shift from traditional fixed maintenance intervals to a more efficient condition-based maintenance strategy. This approach allows you to service equipment only when necessary—based on real-time data and actual lubricant performance—rather than relying on generic schedules. As a result, you not only reduce unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs but also extend the life of both the lubricants and the equipment. This data-driven method improves operational efficiency, enhances reliability, and supports more informed decision-making across your maintenance program. Training and Technical Support Even the best maintenance plans can fail without proper execution. Experienced lubricant suppliers help train your staff on: Safe handling of oil lubricants Proper storage and transfer practices Lubrication techniques for various equipment types Avoiding cross-contamination during application This hands-on support ensures your preventive maintenance team applies lubricants correctly and consistently. 4

5. Equipment Audits and Lubrication Surveys Many lubricants suppliers offer on-site equipment audits to assess your current lubrication practices. These surveys can uncover inefficiencies, risks, and cost-saving opportunities. Recommendations might include: Switching to longer-life lubricants Centralizing lubrication stations Converting to bulk storage to eliminate packaging waste Eliminating redundant or outdated products Such audits ensure your lubrication program evolves along with your operations. They help identify outdated practices, inefficiencies, or gaps in lubricant selection and application. Regular reviews also support compliance with industry standards and promote continuous improvement across your maintenance strategy. Waste Management and Compliance Environmental and safety regulations surrounding the use and disposal of oil lubricants continue to grow. Reputable lubricant suppliers help ensure compliance through: Used oil collection Proper labeling and SDS documentation Spill prevention tools and training Eco-friendly lubricant options Incorporating these services into your preventive maintenance routine not only ensures sustainability but also avoids costly violations or fines. Final Thoughts Preventive maintenance isn’t just about fixing things before they break—it’s about creating a culture of consistency, safety, and performance. Lubricant suppliers play a central role in making this happen. The right partner provides more than just products—they offer insight, services, and systems that elevate your entire maintenance strategy. From delivering high-quality oil lubricants and managing bulk lubricant logistics to offering oil analysis and hands-on training, a reliable lubricant supplier can transform the way you care for your equipment. If you’re looking to improve uptime, reduce failures, and extend asset life, start by evaluating whether your current supplier is meeting all your preventive maintenance needs. A strong partnership with experienced lubricant suppliers can streamline operations and reduce long-term costs. Consistent support and technical expertise are just as critical as the products themselves. 5

6. FAQs: Lubricant Suppliers and Preventive Maintenance Why not just buy lubricants in smaller packages from retailers? Retail packaging may work for small-scale needs, but businesses benefit from bulk lubricants, which offer better cost efficiency, storage solutions, and supply continuity—especially when paired with preventive maintenance programs. How often should oil analysis be performed? It depends on the application and operating conditions, but a typical recommendation is every 500–1000 hours of operation. Your lubricant supplier can help set the right schedule. Can the wrong lubricant void equipment warranties? Yes. Using non-OEM-approved products or mixing incompatible oil lubricants can void warranties and cause damage. A knowledgeable supplier helps avoid these issues. 6

7. What are signs that a lubricant program isn’t working? Common red flags include frequent equipment failures, high lubricant consumption, overheating, inconsistent application, and contamination. These issues signal a need for professional evaluation. How can a lubricant supplier save money in the long term? By providing high-performance products, designing efficient delivery systems, reducing lubricant waste, and supporting condition-based maintenance, suppliers lower overall operating and maintenance costs. Contact us for any queries Facebook | LinkedIn E-mail: info.farstadoil@parklandusa.com Contact: 406-259-2264 7