Greases: A Key Ingredient in Keeping Your Fleet Healthy

Even though it might seem minor, grease plays a major role in the upkeep of vehicles. Whether you operate service vans, trucks, or delivery rigs, the right kind of grease is vital for reducing costly wear and tear and extending life-of-the-asset.

Grease is a semi-solid lubricant made from an oil base thickened with soap or another compound. What sets it apart from liquid oils is its ability to stick to parts, helping lubrication last longer, especially where fluid oils would tend to run off. But its job isn’t only to reduce friction. It also shields moving parts from dirt, corrosion and water intrusion, two of the most common causes of mechanical failures.

When you run a fleet, knowing how to use the right grease becomes a critical part of your maintenance regimen. Not all greases are the same, and selecting the right type for the right job makes a real difference between smooth operations and unexpected downtime.

Here are some of the most important types of grease to know for fleet applications:

• Multipurpose Grease: Often lithium-based, this versatile compound is good for many standard lubrication points, like chassis components and wheel bearings. Its broad temperature range and water resistance make it a go-to for everyday use.
• High-Temperature Grease: Some components, such as wheel bearings or brake hubs, experience elevated heat. Greases formulated for high-temperature duty can maintain lubrication where ordinary greases will break down.
• Extreme-Pressure (EP) Grease: Heavy-duty trucks and equipment face intense loads, shock and pressure. EP greases contain additives that bond to metal surfaces and build extra protection, ideal for joints, bearings and other high-stress components.

You may notice greases come in different colors, but color alone doesn’t tell you about quality or application. Instead, it typically reflects manufacturer branding or helps differentiate between products. However, changes in grease color over time can indicate contamination or wear, so color can still provide a useful maintenance-clue.

In summary: if you manage a fleet, keep grease on your radar. Using the right formula, applied at the correct intervals, and monitoring condition will help keep your vehicles running longer, more reliably, and with fewer unexpected repairs. Don’t underestimate the difference this seemingly minor material can make in the health and productivity of your operations.