Poor lubricant selection leads to a wide range of engine performance issues. One of them is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI). Also termed stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) or super-knock, LSPI occurs in modern turbocharged gasoline direct injection technology. This phenomenon may result in fatal engine damage when you least expect it.
Service chemicals are specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining various components of your vehicle. Some of them are air filters, cooling systems, heating systems, radiators, diesel engines, and petrol engines. These advanced formulas benefit your vehicle on multiple levels. Their roles range from providing advanced cleaning to increasing the performance and efficiency of the system.
AdBlue® is a diesel exhaust fluid. It represents a blend of urea and deionized water. When the vehicle’s engine is working, small amounts of AdBlue® are injected into the exhaust gas, turning nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water.
Engine manufacturers are striving to reduce their environmental impact by innovating fuel formulas and improving after-treatment technology. That is exactly where a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) enters the scene, as one of the most critical after-treatment devices in your vehicle. It catches and stores exhaust ash particles and other contaminants to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel engines.
Turbine engines use a mixture of compressed air and fuel to start. They reach higher temperatures and, as such, require high-performing lubricants specifically designed to support their operation. These lubricants are called turbine engine oils (TEOs). What are turbine engine lubricants and how do they work? Let’s find out in this ultimate guide to turbine lubrication!
Vehicles speak their own language. They use sounds like squeaking, screeching, roaring, knocking, and squealing to warn us there is something wrong with them. Detecting and diagnosing the background noise your car is making is crucial. Not sure how to comprehend your vehicle’s language? Here is a brief guide to car noises and what they mean.
A car’s internal combustion engine requires both air and fuel to work properly. The air-fuel ratio needs to be optimal to ensure uninterrupted combustion and enhanced engine performance. In the past, a carburetor was the only device that controlled the combination of air and fuel. When modern Engine Control Units (ECUs), also known as Engine Control Modules, were invented, they have significantly changed the game. They use Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors to measure airflow.
Supersonic speed, impressive agility, and a high-performance engine are synonymous with racing vehicles. Unsurprisingly, such automotive beasts are powered by super-strong engines that are unlike their passenger car counterparts. Racing car motors produce extreme heat and pressure, as well as use more fuel due to the differences in power. Given that, it is not surprising that typical passenger car engine oils do not work for them.
One of the most essential fluids used in internal combustion engines and new-energy engines is a coolant. In simple terms, a coolant is a fluid that consists of ethylene glycol, water, and performance-boosting additives. When these substances are blended, a smooth, clear fluid is derived. Since there are numerous coolant types, these liquids are available in various colors.
Engine oil leaks are one of the most common causes of engine damage. They cause rapid deterioration of the engine and result in expensive repairs. Worse yet, engine oil leaks pose a safety threat. They may lead to the loss of control of the vehicle while driving. Precisely because of that, it is essential to determine the main engine oil leak causes and take action to fix them. Let’s get started.
Engine oil is your motorcycle’s most essential fluid - one it could not run without. It plays multiple roles in the motorcycle engine, including lubrication, cooling, sealing, cleaning, corrosion protection, and noise reduction. However, choosing the right motorcycle engine oil can be challenging. It depends on multiple factors, including your riding style and the engine’s operating conditions.
Are you looking for a cleaning or lubricating product for a specific part of your vehicle, tool, or machinery? Then, you need a specialty fluid. Specialty fluids are specifically engineered to lubricate a vehicle or a piece of equipment, maximize its performance, and extend its operating life. Based on their formulas and uses, there are different types of specialty fluids. Here are some of them.
Are you a car enthusiast or an owner of a small workshop? In either case, owning an arsenal of technical workshop sprays is as important as having your basic automotive tools. Technical sprays play multiple roles in a workshop, including cleaning, lubrication, protection, assembly, and car care. Without them, a 15-minute fix may turn into a daylong nightmare. Here are a few essential types of sprays you may need in your workshop.
On the Valvoline blog, we have already discussed marine coolant technologies and marine oil selection. However, to choose the right lubricant formula for your boat, you first need to know the types of marine lubrication systems. We have compiled this ultimate guide to marine lubrication systems to help you understand how they work.
Since the creation of the Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs), low-SAPS oils have gained immense popularity. Traditional engine lubricants use performance-boosting additives, such as phosphorus and sulfur. They have impressive anti-wear and antioxidant features. However, phosphorus and sulfur may damage the depolluting after-treatment system that eliminates pollutant emissions.
Motor oil is the most essential fluid in your vehicle. It lubricates engine parts, minimizes friction, and reduces wear and tear. It also has advanced cooling and detergent properties. That is why choosing the quality lubricant for your engine is essential. Not sure where to start? We have compiled a brief list of factors you should consider when selecting engine oil.
On our blog, we have already explained the basics of grease technology and its benefits over lubricating oils. Greases are used across various industries and are perfect for machines that run at uneven intervals or are inaccessible for frequent oil changes.
On the Valvoline blog, we often discuss the importance of oil viscosity for the selection of engine oils. Whether you are looking for motor oils for your passenger car, motorcycle, boat, or heavy-duty fleet, choosing the right oil viscosity is essential for engine life and performance. If you are still not sure what terms like ‘oil viscosity,’ ‘viscosity grades,’ or ‘viscosity index’ mean, do not worry. We have compiled this brief guide to the viscosity of oil to help you!
To run seamlessly, every vehicle requires regular maintenance and tune-ups. That is where lubricants step in. They improve the performance of your vehicle, extend its lifespan, and reduce costly repairs.
Cold winter days put stress on passenger cars. That is why you should not neglect the importance of winter car maintenance. Only by having your car thoroughly serviced and prepared for winter driving conditions can you ensure it is up for the challenge. Regular car maintenance in the winter increases driving safety and extends the life of your vehicle. Read on to learn how to prepare your car for tricky winter rides.
There are two types of small engines – 2-stroke and 4-stroke. While they contain similar components, these engines go through different processes and have contrasting uses. Understanding how they work is essential to choosing the right engine oil. What are 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines? What is the difference between 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oil? Let’s find out!
Industrial vehicles and machines operate in harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt, moisture, and high pressure. Consequently, their components are more prone to degradation and have a shorter lifespan. So, is there a way to improve industrial machinery performance and durability? The answer lies in lubrication.
During the combustion process, the engine becomes hot. That is how pistons move up and down and start the motorcycle. While extreme heat is necessary, the engine should never overheat because its metal components may get damaged. That is where a motorcycle coolant system steps in.
Once the car’s combustion engine generates the power, the transmission system moves it to the wheels. The power transmission process requires continuous friction between the moving metal parts of the transmission system. That causes the deterioration of its components and results in expensive repairs. That is why using transmission oil is crucial.
High-quality oil improves engine performance in multiple ways. It lubricates engine components, releases the heat, filters out impurities, and enhances engine sealing. That way, it maximizes the engine lifespan and performance. By measuring oil consumption, you can tell the engine's health. Excessive engine oil burning is often the consequence of a more severe engine performance issue. So, what are the causes and symptoms of excessive oil consumption?
Hydraulic systems are used in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, robotics, agriculture, mining, and aircraft. They play a fundamental role in working settings that require a high-power density or where load demands change fast. In hydraulic systems, the pressurized fluid creates energy. These fluids are called hydraulic oils or hydraulic fluids. So, what are hydraulic oils, and how to choose the right one? Let’s find out!
Being a car owner and being a responsible car owner are two very different things. The former is a person who simply owns a car, while the latter is someone who loves their vehicle. If you’re among the latter, you probably already know how important it is to maintain your car regularly, check its vitals, and visit your mechanic at least once a year. This is true for all vehicles, regardless of their age and price range, but it’s even more important if you’re driving a car with a diesel engine.
Whether you’re an active part of the automotive industry or a simple car owner who just wants to be able to use their vehicle for as long as possible, you probably already know one simple thing – you must never be cheap when it comes to your oil! Just like the gas you use, this is something that not only helps your car run but also enables it to do so in the best and most effective way possible.
Like every other system, the car needs each of its parts to function perfectly, so that it can produce the best possible performance. We know that the car comprises of many different parts, which makes the whole challenge of keeping everything in shape even more difficult.
Here at Valvoline, we have already discussed engine coolants in depth. We wrote about the importance and application of these specialty fluids. If you are still not sure which types of coolants there are and how to pick the right one, do not fret. Valvoline has got your back. We compiled the ultimate guide to choosing the right coolant for your car.
Those working in industries requiring the use of machinery are undoubtedly familiar with the concept of tribology and lubrication. After all, it is probably one of the most important factors contributing to the normal functioning of expensive machines and equipment. On the other hand, those who are not quite sure what it involves and why it is vital might want to get familiar with the concept to appreciate its significance.
Engine rust is often hard to detect and takes time to develop. Corrosion degrades the useful properties of materials, harming the overall engine performance. Fortunately, with the right car maintenance tactics and products, you can battle corrosion. To help you, we put together this brief guide to rust prevention.
Brakes are a car part that controls your car’s ability to slow down and stop. As such, they are essential for your own safety and the safety of every other traffic participant. Even when not in bad shape, car brakes might malfunction due to problems with brake fluids. While the use of quality oils like mineral oil brake fluid or its DOT equivalent may minimize the risk, this fluid needs to be properly replaced once the time for this maintenance process arrives.
The public is getting increasingly familiar with the concept of electric and hybrid vehicles. The average consumer of today doesn’t perhaps know exactly how the hybrid engine works (explained in this article), but they are surely aware that it is much better for the environment than legacy vehicles that use internal combustion engines only.
Minimizing costs and optimizing return on investment is at the top of the list of every fleet manager. Every aspect of the business requires constant scrutiny and refinement – from vehicle selection to repairs and preventive maintenance.
Every responsible car owner will tell you that regular maintenance is a must. Not only does it prolong the life expectancy of your car, but it also significantly lowers repair costs.
Users often do not give much thought to what they are putting into their generator’s oil reservoir. If you are one of them, it is time to reconsider your attitudes.
Starting to use high mileage oil for your high-mileage vehicle is among the critical aspects of keeping your car’s engine healthy for longer periods of time. These oils are different than regular oils as they contain seal enhancers and special additives capable of minimizing internal and external engine oil leaks.
Preventive maintenance is an integral aspect of your fleet management strategy. It extends the usable vehicle life, minimizes unexpected breakdowns, and reduces your long-term costs. Most importantly, it ensures the safety of your vehicle operators on the road.
Much like the case with car and truck engines with internal combustion, marine engines also need to be kept cool. Using marine coolant is among the basic aspects of proper engine maintenance and it needs to be approached with adequate consistency, know-how, and competence.
The overall efficiency of any mining operation depends on the uninterrupted functioning and longevity of mining machines. Since this equipment is always quite expensive, the longer you manage to extend its operating life, the further you will put off a new purchase or repair.
Heavy industrial and automotive equipment deals with an array of challenging environments and working conditions. Because of this, it requires special care during maintenance, including unique procedures and the use of specialized products.
The marine engine is the very heart and soul of your boat. It fuels and powers all your water-based adventures. And much like every person should keep their heart and soul healthy and well-maintained, every boat owner should make sure their boat’s marine engine is properly handled and nourished.
When it comes to keeping your motorcycle in optimal shape, fluid control is of paramount importance. Although useful, your previous experience with automobile oils and automotive maintenance does not necessarily translate into motorcycle maintenance. There are a lot of subtle differences that you might be completely unaware of.
One of the key aspects of choosing the right engine lubricant is the viscosity of the oil. When you regularly use engine lubricants with the right viscosity of oil i.e. with an appropriate viscosity index for your particular engine, the downtime of your vehicle is minimized and the maintenance costs get optimized.
This is a very common question semi-truck and other heavy-duty vehicle operators and fleet owners have. A straightforward answer would be No because gear oil and transmission fluid target different types of transmissions or mechanical environments.
Those who want to properly achieve and maintain their production goals simply need to have high levels of preparedness across all their processes. They must keep their agricultural equipment maintained and cost-effective, which is where using the right universal tractor transmission oil and other lubricants comes into play!
Brake fluid is a specialty fluid that ensures effective stopping power by transferring brake pedal force to the brake pads. It also has lubricating and anti-corrosion properties that improve the brake system’s functionality and performance and extend its operating life.
The engine is the source of power for all motor vehicles that (most typically) use internal combustion engines to propel them forward (and sometimes backward).
Fluid analysis is an important part of professional vehicle maintenance. It can help you spot problems in time, avoid costly repairs, and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).
The quenching process is a crucial step in the heat treatment of metals. It’s a process of rapidly cooling a piece of metal in order to achieve or modify specific properties like hardness, strength, or toughness.
The idea of hybrid vehicles has been with us for well over a century. However, it didn’t get mainstream and mass-production application until the late 1990s.
Hydraulics represent systems where energy and power are transferred through fluids. The fluids applied are called hydraulic fluids or hydraulic oils and are used in various types of machinery, equipment, and across industries.
The requirements imposed on production processes and industries are getting higher by the day. To remain competitive and profitable, businesses have to reach optimal operational efficiency while adhering to high safety standards and remaining cost-effective
Agriculture is among the industries where work takes a great toll on equipment like tractors, combines, harrows, corn pickers, ballers, seeders, and other machinery.
Every owner of a piece of machinery or equipment might experience a common problem called excessive oil burning. As the oil’s primary function is to lubricate and protect the engine, overly consuming it exposes the engine and the owner to major performance- and finance-related consequences.
An engine coolant is a liquid crucial for the operation of any type of engine. The term coolant is used interchangeably with antifreeze. Moreover, coolant is a more common term in warm climate areas, while the term antifreeze is more common in cold climate areas.
Owners of trucks and truck fleets face various challenges daily and one of them is efficient maintenance of their equipment. Moreover, they aim to achieve optimal durability, efficiency, and performance of their heavy-duty vehicles that can stand up to the toughest conditions.
Tractor fluid vs hydraulic oil, what are the differences? One simple answer would be that tractor fluids and hydraulic oils are products that have different formulations and are for different purposes.
Classification of motor oil based on motor oil weight has been a constant effort since the invention of oil engines. This has particularly become important when looking at the application in the automotive industry.
There are different types of coolants in the market and quite often, engine owners face many questions. What coolant do I need or what coolant should I use? What is an OAT coolant? How often should I change the coolant?
What does proper maintenance of heavy-duty diesel engines include? What are the benefits of it? Read on what you can do on your part to make sure you keep your engine at high-performance levels.
Industrial oils and greases play an important role in any industry. They are applied to improve the performance of industrial machinery and equipment and protect them against damage during operation. T
Oil and lubricating fluids play a key role in the optimal performance of any simple or complex system of an industrial facility.
No matter what industry you are in, if you want to see your company thrive, you should ensure that all your machinery works in your favor, increasing the overall productivity, efficiency, and profitability of your operations. Believe it or not, this all can be achieved through proper lubrication.
To help you better understand the importance of lubrication in such a specific industry, we have created our Ultimate Guide for Lubrication in Construction.
Modern agricultural machinery, including tractors, harrows, combine harvesters, balers, fertilizer spreaders, grape harvesting machines, and corn-pickers, is constantly exposed to heavy usage, extreme temperatures, humidity, and harsh working conditions.
Greases or lubricants have traditionally been used to keep vehicles, vessels, machines, and their components lubricated at all times.
Pellet production is a process where pellet machines operate under extreme conditions. High temperatures, high pressures, water vapor, and contaminants are all elements that can affect the performance of roller bearings.
Proper grease product recommendation requires extensive insight into all of the working elements: operating temperature and conditions, load regime, rotation speed, and type of application.
Grease plays a critical part in the maintenance of your equipment and provides different benefits to keep crucial components protected. To keep your operation moving and decrease downtime, here’s what you should know about the special role of grease.
The Fluid Analysis Program is a vital health check for your equipment. It represents preventative maintenance - monitoring, reporting, and interpretation of the condition of fluids.