As a fuel and lubricant supplier, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable fluid analysis can be for our customers. From small family-owned businesses to large fleets with dozens of vehicles, fluid analysis can provide valuable insight into your fleet’s condition and overall lubricant needs. For both on-highway and off-highway vehicles, fluid analysis can tell you how well your lubricants are performing, if your fluids are contaminated, and if your vehicle requires additional maintenance.

Are oil changes enough?
One of the misconceptions that fluid analysis can undermine is that you can keep your vehicle or equipment in good condition simply by changing the oil or lubricants. While regular oil and lubricant changes are essential, they are not a cure-all. Fluid analysis can give you vital answers into the health of your equipment. It can tell if contaminants are in the lubricant, if there are coolant leaks, or if there are viscosity issues. It can also indicate if equipment breakdowns are happening by detecting the presence of wear metals or if your fuel economy is shrinking. Just as getting blood drawn for analysis by your doctor can help pinpoint potential underlying health issues, fluid analysis gives you an insight into the overall health of your equipment and what you need to do to keep your equipment in good shape.

Is sampling hard?
The most frustrating part about establishing a fluid analysis program is establishing sampling procedures. To get accurate results from the fluid analysis lab, you must learn how to sample equipment fluids without contamination. You can use several different sampling methods, but here are some of the most common.

  • Sample extraction tubes: Using a sample extraction tube with a sump or vale is a standard sample extraction method. However, to get a sample, you must accurately measure what adapters or probes you will need to take the sample and how to do it without contamination. These tubes are commonly used in ‘vampire sampling pumps’ when you extract the fluid through the tube attached to a sampling bottle.
  • Vacuum pumps: A vacuum pump can be used with sampling tubes to extract samples from pressurized systems without sampling valves. In this case, the vacuum mechanism sucks up the sample when you draw it from the equipment.
  • Sampling ports: Many vehicles and equipment have ports or valves installed specifically for sampling purposes. Different valves can be used, and some may be installed throughout your equipment for sampling from various locations in the equipment. Using pre-existing sampling valves is often the easiest way to collect samples for fluid analysis, as long as you follow proper sampling procedures to avoid contamination.

These are just a few of the common ways you can collect samples. But no matter what method you use, the frustrating part many fleet managers and mechanics encounter is establishing sampling procedures and schedules. To get the most accurate fluid analysis results, you must establish a schedule for taking samples and procedures for doing it correctly to avoid contamination issues. If you don’t take the time to create these procedures and ensure that everyone responsible for taking samples is following them, you won’t be able to trust your fluid analysis results.

Why are fluid analysis reports so confusing?
The effectiveness of your fluid analysis program rests on two things: your sampling procedures and your ability to read and follow the report recommendations. We know that fluid analysis reports can be confusing and difficult to understand. But we’re here to help make it easier. You can expect the fluid analysis lab to flag potential issues like wear metals, contaminants, or viscosity issues in your report. They will also provide recommendations for monitoring or maintenance action. Your first few reports may be confusing or even very surprising, but we will help guide you through the process and explain the results so you understand them and can implement them in your fleet.

Are the OEM recommendations enough?
Here’s the thing you need to know about OEM drain recommendations: they are developed under ideal working conditions. That means that if you run your equipment in the exact way the OEM indicates for their drain schedule, you may be able to keep it in good condition without fluid analysis.

But the reality is that everyone uses their equipment differently, and you need personalized recommendations based on how you use it. That’s what fluid analysis gives you! When you have a solid analysis program, you have individual insight into the health of each piece of equipment. You can customize your maintenance schedule based on your equipment’s needs and not just the standard OEM guidelines. Oh, and just so you know, OEM guidelines have also been developed using fluid analysis results!

Is fluid analysis a good investment?
A fluid analysis program is not a one-time expense. It’s an ongoing service requiring significant investment to see results. However, it’s a valuable investment that can extend the life of your equipment, reduce equipment downtime, and help you make strategic business decisions. With accurate information on how your fleet or equipment is performing, you can better manage your production schedule, reduce your maintenance costs, and gain valuable insight that can help guide your equipment buying decisions in the future.

We like to think of fluid analysis as insurance that does something for your vehicle or equipment now, not just in the event of an accident. Yes, you’re paying each month, but you’re also getting valuable feedback that can help you keep your equipment in better shape! That’s why we recommend Chevron’s LubeWatch oil analysis program to our customers. With this program, you can get affordable fluid analysis services from trusted Chevron lab partners to keep your equipment in tip-top shape. To learn more about this program and how to sign up, contact your Greg’s Petroleum representative today!