In any industrial setting, the health of your machinery often comes down to one small but critical component: lubrication. Greases are the unsung heroes that keep operations running smoothly, minimizing friction, protecting against wear, and ensuring that every moving part does its job efficiently.
At Paras Lubricants Limited, we’ve worked with clients across industries who rely on our PALCO Industrial Greases to maintain equipment reliability in demanding environments. But even the best greases don’t last forever. Over time, they degrade and if you don’t catch the warning signs early, the cost can be significant.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace your grease? Let’s break it down.
What Causes Grease to Degrade?
Grease degrades for many reasons- heat, pressure, contamination, or simply time. When it does, its ability to protect and lubricate is compromised. The result? Increased friction, overheating, and potential damage to your equipment.
That’s why regular inspection is just as important as using the right product in the first place.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Grease
- Color or Texture Has Changed
Fresh grease like ours typically has a smooth, buttery consistency. If you notice it’s turned darker, gritty, or dry, it’s likely past its prime.
- You Spot Contamination
Dust, metal particles, or water in the grease can lead to corrosion and component failure. This is especially common in environments with high moisture or poor seal integrity.
- It Smells Burnt
A strong or burnt odour usually means the grease has been exposed to excessive heat and has started to break down chemically.
- It’s Too Hard or Too Runny
Grease should hold its form to stay in place and do its job. If it’s bleeding oil or has become unusually stiff, its composition has likely changed.
- You Hear Unusual Noise
Louder-than-usual operation or vibrations can be a sign that there’s not enough lubrication between moving parts.
- Your Equipment Is Running Hot
An unexplained rise in operating temperature is often a signal that your grease is no longer providing the protection it should.
- You See Grease Leaking
Grease escaping from seals or fittings may point to over-lubrication, pressure buildup, or the wrong product being used for the application.
How Often Should You Replace Grease?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it depends on the equipment, the environment, and how demanding the application is. That said, we recommend:
- Following OEM service intervals wherever applicable
- Visually inspecting grease during routine maintenance
- Using the right product for high-load or high-temp situations
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Grease
- Store grease properly in clean, dry conditions away from extreme heat or moisture
- Don’t mix grease types unless they’re chemically compatible
- Use dedicated, clean tools for application
- Monitor how your equipment behaves over time; patterns will tell you a lot
Why it pays to use the Right Grease
Using high-quality, application-specific grease can reduce maintenance costs, prevent downtime, and extend equipment life. At Paras Lubricants, our Palco Industrial Greases are formulated to meet the needs of modern industry whether you’re running conveyors in a factory or heavy equipment in the field.
So Grease may be a small component, but it plays a big role. Recognizing when it’s breaking down, and knowing when to replace it, can make all the difference in how your equipment performs over time.
For expert advice and high-quality products, don’t hesitate to visit Palco’s Official Website (www.palco.co.in) or contact directly at the Email: enquiry@palco.co.in & Phone: +91 93117 94519.
Enquire now 