Oils, greases and lubricants are the type of product that few people think about until they need it; these materials are what keep society running smoothly, literally. All of these substances serve the same purpose, but they are made of different materials and have qualities that make each one better suited for certain applications than others.

Motor oil is a thick, slippery, brownish-black liquid that is not able to be diluted with water. This substance isn’t the oil that is retrieved by drilling and pumping; traditional lubricating oil was a petrol-based product with chemicals added to increase the heat resistance and lubricating properties.

Grease, like oil, is a petrol based product; in fact, the main ingredient in grease is the aforementioned lubricating oil. The only difference between the two is the additives used. Grease has added chemicals that make the substance thick and opaque. Grease is most often used for industrial purposes, such as keeping conveyer belts running smoothly, among other things.

Oil and grease are considered lubricants, yes, but there are other, non-petrol based, substances that can be used for lubrication purposes as well; water and silicone based lubricants are two of those. Water-based lubricant can be easily removed with water and silicone based lubricants are traditionally more durable than petrol-based.

As our collective mindset begins to change about the importance of conservation and eco-friendly practices, more and more new ways of using sustainable products (i.e. vegetable and soy oil) to produce oil, grease and lubricants are being explored.