Lubricant providers offer a diverse range of engine oils tailored to different equipment types and operating conditions. Learning more about a provider’s services can help you make informed decisions regarding engine maintenance, oil compatibility, and performance requirements. Here are five questions to ask your natural gas engine oil provider:
1. What Types of Natural Gas Engine Oil Do You Carry?
Fuel and lubricant providers may carry several natural gas engine oil types, each with distinct applications and performance advantages. Conventional engine oils are standard lubricants suitable for various natural gas engines and operating conditions. They are used in commercial equipment, stationary generators, and transportation vehicles, offering engine wear protection and temperature stability under normal conditions. High-temperature oils are designed for engines operating under extreme heat conditions. These include industrial machinery or high-performance engines.
Other lubricants for natural gas engines include synthetic and low-ash oils. Synthetic engine oils offer enhanced performance features to provide fuel efficiency and decreased emissions. They suit various vehicles and equipment, such as modern passenger cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Low-ash lubricants are designed for low-emission natural gas engines. They help minimize ash deposits, protect against valve recession, and maintain engine efficiency. Their applications include turbocharged and natural gas engines equipped with emission control systems. Oils are also available in ashless and mid-ash formulations.
2. How Do I Determine Which Engine Oil Is Suitable for My Engine?
The most important factor is following the recommendations set forth in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Car manufacturers design engines to work best with specific oil viscosities and API standards. The owner’s manual will typically specify a range of viscosities (e.g., 5W-30, 10W-40) suitable for different weather conditions. It might also recommend specific API standards (e.g., API SN, API SP) that address lubrication needs and compatibility with emission control systems.
Assess your engine’s typical load and usage patterns. Heavy-duty applications like frequent towing or operating in extreme temperature conditions may require specialized oils. These oils have features like enhanced thermal stability and wear protection.
3. Are Your Engine Oils Certified or Approved by Industry Standards or OEMs?
One of the leading organizations that performs oil testing is the American Petroleum Institute. Testing process includes elemental, viscosity, temperature, and degradation analysis.
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) approvals are endorsements from the manufacturers of engines or equipment. They indicate that the engine oil has been tested and approved for use in their specific engines. These approvals may be more strict than industry standards and verify compatibility with engine components, emission control systems, and operating conditions. Asking whether industry standards or OEMs approve an oil is key for promoting natural gas engine performance and long-term reliability.
4. What Are Your Bulk Oil Storage Options?
Some engine oil providers offer on-site bulk storage solutions to make your operations more convenient. Many business types benefit from these storage solutions. Businesses that may need on-site oil storage include automotive shops, transportation facilities, and industrial or commercial work sites.
Depending on your usage and storage space requirements, your provider may offer different lube tank options in varying shapes and space-saving configurations. These containers range from single or double-wall installations to stacked sets for maximized shop space. Some fuel and lubricant providers have remote tank monitoring technology, making it easy to manage inventory levels and schedule refills. Asking about bulk oil storage options allows you to create a customized lubrication solution for your natural gas-fueled engines.
5. Do You Offer Equipment Maintenance and Performance Services?
Working with a provider that carries engine lubricants and offers equipment maintenance can simplify the process of caring for your machines. Fuel and lubricant companies provide various services to help you minimize downtime and parts replacement frequency while increasing engine performance and lifespan. These services include oil sampling and analysis, filtration, and dehydration. Oil companies may also offer lubricant training assistance to enhance maintenance and upkeep processes.
Partner With a Reliable Fuel and Lubricant Provider
Working with a reliable natural gas engine oil provider can enhance your equipment’s performance, efficiency, and longevity. These professionals give expert product advice and create customized solutions for your engine oil needs. They also offer services such as fluid delivery and advanced oil analysis reports to increase your operational productivity. Contact a provider today to learn more about their lubricant products and additional services.