Definitions

Oil and Lubricant Glossary

A practical glossary of oil, grease, lubricant, fleet maintenance, and industrial supply terms.

What to know first

Lubricant terminology describes how oils and greases protect equipment through viscosity, additives, base oils, thickeners, film strength, and specification compliance.

Why definitions matter

Clear definitions reduce product confusion and help maintenance buyers ask for the correct oil, grease, fluid, or supply item.

The glossary supports quote requests for customers who know the application but may not know the exact product language.

Glossary Terms

Motor oil
Motor oil is lubricant formulated to protect internal combustion engines from friction, heat, deposits, and wear.
Hydraulic oil
Hydraulic oil is fluid used to transmit power and protect pumps, valves, cylinders, and motors in hydraulic systems.
Industrial lubricant
An industrial lubricant is an oil, grease, or specialty fluid used to protect commercial machinery and equipment.
Transmission fluid
Transmission fluid lubricates and cools transmissions while supporting hydraulic pressure and shifting performance.
Gear oil
Gear oil is lubricant formulated for high-pressure protection in gears, axles, differentials, and gearboxes.
Grease
Grease is a semi-solid lubricant made from base oil, thickener, and additives so it can stay in place.
DEF
Diesel exhaust fluid is a urea and water solution used in SCR systems to reduce diesel NOx emissions.
Bulk oil
Bulk oil is oil purchased in larger quantities for commercial, industrial, or fleet maintenance use.
Viscosity
Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow at a specified temperature.
Fleet lubrication
Fleet lubrication is the planned management of oils, fluids, greases, and supplies needed to maintain commercial vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is viscosity?

Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow at a given temperature.

What is bulk oil?

Bulk oil is oil supplied in larger quantities instead of individual retail bottles, often for commercial or fleet use.

What is an industrial lubricant?

An industrial lubricant is an oil, grease, or fluid used to protect machinery and equipment in commercial or industrial service.

Energy Oil & Grease is a Hobbs, New Mexico supplier of motor oil, hydraulic oil, industrial lubricants, transmission fluid, gear oil, grease products, DEF fluid, batteries, pumps, straps, and shop supplies for fleets, agriculture, heavy equipment, oilfield operations, and industrial maintenance teams.

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