Our LH Travis team gets asked about heat and lubricants all the time. So, today, we’ll explain why temperature matters so much and how heat affects lubricants and machinery. 

Now, imagine, inside a machine at subzero temperatures—thick, sluggish oil struggling to do its job. On the flip side, the heat turns lubricants into something closer to water—thin, weak, and unable to form the protective barrier that keeps metal from grinding against metal. 

Both scenarios are a recipe for disaster. And it’s not just about extremes—gradual temperature shifts throughout the day will silently wear down lubrication effectiveness, causing friction, wear, and a maintenance nightmare.

What Is the Silent Lubricant Killer?

In case you were unaware, oxidation is the slow poison that sneaks up when lubricants get too hot. The Arrhenius Rate Rule says oxidation rates double with every 10°C increase. At higher temps, it’s faster. At that point, it’s not just lubricant failure—it’s full-on machinery sabotage.

Sludge, varnish, and acidic byproducts start forming. Bearings get sticky. Filters clog. Suddenly, a once-efficient system is choking on buildup. Flushing and replacing the lubricant might fix everything, but permanent damage remains.

Additives Are Also on the Line

It’s easy to forget, but most modern lubricants aren’t just oil. They’re carefully engineered mixtures of base oils and additives. Anti-wear agents, viscosity stabilizers, and antioxidants—all designed to keep things running smoothly. 

But those additives burn off when temperatures climb, evaporating into thin air. And that’s assuming the base oil even survives. Some do—synthetics, for example, are built for extreme conditions. However, many conventional oils break down, creating more sludge and harmful deposits. It’s like trying to fight a fire with gasoline.

Winning the Fight Against Heat

So, what’s the fix? You manage your temperature before it takes over, and here’s how:

  • Monitor constantly. If you’re not tracking temperatures, you’re already behind. Use sensors or thermal imaging to know what’s happening inside your system.
  • Cooling is your friend. Heat exchangers, fans, or airflow adjustments help remove excess heat, extending lubricant life.
  • Choose carefully. Not all lubricants are created equal. High-viscosity index oils? Synthetic blends? They handle heat better and degrade slower.
  • Perform regular maintenance. Ignoring temperature fluctuations is like ignoring a check engine light. Sooner or later, something will break.

LH Travis Will Control the Heat

Contact LH Travis and speak to our heat specialists about how to control the heat!