Fluid contamination can prevent your machinery from operating properly, but it can be difficult to tell what’s going on inside your engine, valves, and fluid pumps until it’s too late. Fortunately, if you know what to look for, and check your gear regularly, you can prevent damage or mechanical failure from taking place.

Here are 4 signs that may mean you’re dealing with fluid or oil contamination:

High temperatures. Have you noticed your vehicles or agricultural equipment overheating lately? Particles in the fuel lines can keep your coolants from doing their job, leading to high temperatures and in turn a lack of productivity. If your radiator seems to be doing its job, and your coolant levels are normal, it’s likely a contaminant issue.

Leaks. Do you check for leaks at the beginning and end of every shift? This simple practice can quickly alert you to a fluid contamination problem. The buildup of rough particulates erodes your fuel lines and pumps overtime, leading to cracking and chipping. If you perform regular maintenance on your gear, a leak likely means something other than faulty equipment.

Foaming. Are your lubricants and coolants foaming? Bubbles are a direct result of oxygen accessing your fuel lines which often means an issue with the integrity of your hoses and lubrication system. Like leaks, foaming indicates erosion and that points to particulate buildup.

Operating problems. Your drivers and operators are professionals and they work with high power machinery day-in-and-day-out. Regularly check in with them to see if things are running smoothly. Is agricultural equipment stalling more frequently? Have any of your fleet trucks started shutting down or making strange noises? These are all warning signs that something isn’t right.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems and need assistance finding a solution that works, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (661) 725-2078. We provide free onsite assessments in the Bakersfield, Fresno, and Ventura areas, and know what it takes to prevent fluid contaminants from slowing you down. We are more than a lubricants supplier; we’re a partner.