1️⃣ “The oil darkened, so it’s spoiled.”
❌ Myth.
Oil darkening often occurs because the additive package keeps dirt and oxidation in suspension.
✅ Truth: Darkening can even indicate the oil is doing its job. The real criteria: oxidation value, viscosity change, and TBN/TAN trends.
2️⃣ “Synthetic oil is always better.”
❌ Myth.
Performance is not defined solely by the word “synthetic,” but by base oil chemistry + additive package + specification compliance.
✅ Truth: The right oil matches the machine’s load, temperature conditions, and manufacturer’s specifications.
3️⃣ “Mixing oils from different brands causes no issues.”
❌ Myth.
Additive clash can occur, leading to foaming, sludge, filter blockages, loss of lubrication performance, and seal/material incompatibilities.
✅ Truth: Oils from different brands should not be mixed without approval. If mixing is unavoidable, supplier approval and lab compatibility tests are required.
4️⃣ “The lighter the oil color, the higher the quality.”
❌ Myth.
Color does not define quality. Many oils are dark due to additive structure. Some esters and PAG oils are naturally dark.
✅ Truth: Quality is measured by VI, NOACK, oxidation resistance, base oil group, and test standards.
5️⃣ “Oil change intervals can be extended without risk.”
❌ Myth.
Extended intervals lead to oxidation, deposits, wear, and fuel inefficiency.
✅ Truth: Oil change intervals must be defined by specification + operating conditions + analysis results.
#LubricantMyths #OilMaintenance #EngineeringInsights #LubeFacts
