Exol: why lubrication matters more than ever in the summer
As temperatures rise during the summer months, enhanced focus is commonly placed on cooling systems, tyre pressures and air conditioning performance by fleet operators across the country. However, lubrication is one crucial part of vehicle maintenance that is often forgotten, according to Exol Lubricants.
Higher temperatures create additional demands on engines and driveline components, the company says: whether vehicles are covering long motorway routes or spending prolonged periods in traffic, lubricants have a vital role to play in protecting components from heat, friction and wear.
“Long-distance journeys, heavy payloads and increased use of auxiliary equipment all generate additional heat in CV engines,” said Exol.
“These operating conditions often lead to extended idling periods, reducing airflow through the vehicle while keeping engine temperatures elevated. Under these conditions, lubricants are required to work harder to maintain a protective film between moving components. If oil performance deteriorates, metal-to-metal contact can increase, accelerating wear on critical parts such as bearings, pistons, camshafts and turbochargers. Maintaining viscosity under high temperatures is vital to protecting components from excessive wear.”
While today’s commercial vehicle engines are more efficient than ever, says Exol, they also operate under tighter tolerances and greater thermal loads.
“Excessive heat can accelerate oxidation, causing oil to thicken and lose effectiveness over time. Sludge and deposits begin to form as degradation reaches an advanced stage, restricting oil flow and reducing the lubricant’s ability to transfer heat away from critical components.
“The introduction of advanced emissions-control technologies, turbocharging systems and extended service intervals means lubricants must deliver consistent performance for longer periods. For fleets, this can result in reduced fuel efficiency, increased maintenance requirements and potentially costly downtime. Using lubricants that meet the latest OEM specifications helps maintain performance and durability under demanding operating conditions.”
Engine oil often receives the most attention, says the firm, but other lubricants are equally important during hot-weather operation.
“Transmission fluids, axle oils and greases are all subjected to increased thermal stress under heavy loads and high-mileage operation. If these products are unable to maintain their protective properties, wear rates can increase and component life may be reduced.
“Routine maintenance checks should include a review of lubricant condition and service schedules to ensure all driveline components remain adequately protected. The summer period presents valuable opportunities for fleet managers to review lubrication strategies before temperatures peak. Exol recommends reviewing lubricants specifications, confirming service intervals remain appropriate for vehicle duty cycles and working with trusted suppliers to support reliability and control operating costs.”
