At LH Travis, we often discover that automatic lubrication systems across the Southeast, Central Florida, and Winter Haven areas are boxes to check for equipment maintenance. A quick squirt of grease here, a splash of oil there, and assumed serviced.
However, incorrect lubrication leads to premature wear and increased downtime. When heat enters the equation, the stakes climb even higher. To avoid this, here are four common myths you need to be aware of.
Myth 1: More Lubricant Means Better Protection
It’s easy for anyone to assume that more lubricant equals better coverage. Still, in all reality, over-lubrication is one of the most common, harmful, and costly mistakes a company can make.
Excess grease creates heat from friction, increasing internal pressure and potentially damaging seals. In high-temperature environments, it will cause the lubricant to break down faster, leaving automatic lubrication systems vulnerable.
Myth 2: All Lubricants Perform the Same in Heat
Choosing the wrong lubricant for a high-heat application doesn’t last. Heat causes viscosity breakdown, accelerates oxidation, and depletes protective additives.
Unfortunately, not all lubricants have the same design to withstand elevated temperatures. The result? Sludge, varnish, and eventually, metal-on-metal contact.
Myth 3: Once You Lubricate, You’re Good for a While
This one’s dangerous. Heat accelerates everything. What lasts a month might be useless in a week under heavy loads. Don’t trust fixed intervals alone. Trust the evidence.
Feel the housing. Smell for burnt oil. Listen for grinding that wasn’t there yesterday. Without considering these variables, your automatic lubrication system runs on degraded lubricant.
Myth 4: Manual Lubrication Is Always Reliable
Inconsistent application, human error, and lack of monitoring make manual lubrication extremely risky, especially in hot-running systems, which causes unexpected lubrication contamination.
Automatic lubrication systems using Smart controls help deliver the correct amount at the right time, reducing the risk of under- or over-lubrication and compensating for heat-related changes.
Where Should You Begin?
It begins with understanding how heat, timing, method, and material interact. A strategic approach extends equipment life and reduces maintenance costs. In short, it’s not just what you lubricate, but how and when you do it.
At LH Travis, we help companies across the Southeast, Central Florida, and Winter Haven find better ways to lubricate correctly and improve equipment reliability. Whether you’re ready to upgrade your system or just have questions, we’d love to talk. Stop by our location or call us today; we’re here to help.