Grease is an often-overlooked component to many fleet managers’ operations. Failure to keep your fleet trucks properly lubricated can result in costly repairs and downtime. In order to avoid unnecessary mechanical services for your fleet, you’ll need to select the right grease products to properly lubricate key components of your trucks. Read on to find out how to choose the right grease for your fleet.
Understand classifications and consistencies to learn to choose the right grease
The first thing to reference before purchasing grease products for your trucks is the owner’s manual. Here you will find important information regarding the preferred National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) rating for your truck’s chassis and other mechanical components. The NLGI ranks greases from 000 (also referred to as triple-naught) all the way up to 6 in terms of consistency. At the lowest end, greases are as thin as cooking oil while No. 6 greases are similar to the consistency of cheddar cheese.
Most trucks require No. 1 or No. 2 grease, with No. 1 used most often in cold-weather applications where mechanical services may not be administered in a heated shop. Some fleet managers mistakenly believe that using No. 2 grease will increase longevity in their trucks; however, due to the standard lubrication process, using No. 2 grease when unnecessary can result in extra grease being pushed out of interface seals, producing excess waste and allowing unwanted contaminants to stick.
Different greases are used for different parts of your truck. The NLGI designates chassis-specific grease as “LB” while wheel bearings grease is labeled “GC.” Most experts recommend using greases labeled GC-LB, which can be used across these two components without issue.
Dropping Point & Synthetic Grease Considerations
In addition to thickness and application, fleet managers should consider the dropping point of their selected grease. The dropping point is the point at which grease liquefies due to excessive heat. If your trucks operate in higher temperature settings, you’ll want a grease that has a higher dropping point.
Grease is a costly investment for commercial trucking fleets; however, it is a necessary expenditure in order to prevent against unnecessary downtime and frequent mechanical services. Many fleet managers opt for synthetic grease products as a result. While more costly than their traditional counterparts, synthetic greases offer great advantages for fleets, including improved performance in high and low temperature settings, and increased longevity for truck components. Choosing synthetic grease may be more expensive, but the benefits will far outweigh the cost of lost productivity and frequent mechanical services for your trucks.
STTC for Your Fleet’s Grease Needs
The best way to save money on grease expenses is by partnering with STTC. Our team provides fleet managers with the industry’s highest-quality products, allowing you to drive without fear of mechanical services for your trucks. Keep your trucks properly lubricated and enjoy long-lasting results that will get you where you need to be. Contact us today to learn more about our grease product offerings!
