The Hidden Cost of Cheap Lubricants

On paper, cheaper lubricants often appear to deliver immediate savings. In practice, they usually introduce costs far greater than the initial price difference.

Lower-cost lubricants typically achieve lower prices by using less refined base oils and simpler additive packages. While they may meet basic viscosity or performance classifications, they often lack the reserve capacity required for modern operating conditions. This results in faster oxidation, reduced film strength under load, and poorer control of contaminants such as soot, water, and acids.

The consequences are rarely obvious at first. With oil change intervals extended, deposits begin to form, and component wear accelerates. Maintenance teams compensate with more frequent servicing, additional filter changes, and increased labour hours. Downtime becomes more frequent and less predictable.

The most expensive outcome is unplanned failure. Pumps, bearings, and hydraulic components fail not because lubrication was absent, but because it was insufficient for the application. At that point, the cost of the lubricant becomes irrelevant compared to the loss of production, emergency repairs, and potential secondary damage.

When lubrication costs are evaluated in isolation, cheap products can seem attractive. When assessed as part of a total cost of ownership model, high-quality lubricants consistently prove to be the more economical choice.

High-quality lubricant brands such as Shell, Castrol, Fuchs, and ENI carry formal OEM approvals from manufacturers including Cummins, Volvo, and Caterpillar. Today, “approved by” should be your minimum standard for compliance and peace of mind. For practical, technically sound advice or to purchase lubricants, contact our team on (02) 9897 7551 or email sales@greengoanna.com.au.