From drivers of passenger cars to owners of agricultural enterprises, users of mechanical equipment and automotive engines can benefit from using a dedicated rust preventative.
Dependable manufacturers like Shell and Houghton will often include additives specifically designed to inhibit rust in the oils they produce, providing both short-term and long-term advantages to their customers. In the following sections we’ll take a closer look at this corrosive nuisance to cars and equipment and examine the extensive and varied benefits that applying a rust preventative can deliver.
Defining rust
While most people can identify rust when they see it taking root on metal, not everyone understands how it is caused. Rust is one of 16 recognised iron-oxides – specific compounds that are composed of oxygen and iron created by a chemical reaction when water is present. The term rusting also refers to the corrosive process that occurs in iron, along with its multiple alloys including steel.
Machinery that includes steel parts that works in open air and has potential contact with moisture can be at risk of rust. Vehicles or machinery operated in adverse weather conditions are an obvious example, but mechanical equipment that is never exposed to the elements may also be threatened by rust when water is used as part of a production process, like paper manufacturing.
Short-term advantages of a rust preventative
When rust takes root on metal parts it can make them become brittle, leading to a loss of structural integrity. When this happens, the rusted metal weakens and presents potential danger to users. For example, a vehicle with rusted components beneath its shell may look safe but, if caught in a collision, can endanger the lives of those onboard. For example, a protective rollbar cracking under pressure, or the framework where a seatbelt connects giving way, can be catastrophic.
An oil with rust preventative properties works by creating a barrier capable of repelling water, ensuring oxidisation can’t occur. On top of this, as the oil flows through a machines innerworkings, it can clear contaminants that may contain moisture before they can cause harm.
Long-term benefits of rust prevention methods
Equipment treated with preventative oils will ensure that parts move more effectively and operate at maximum efficiency. Parts that are rust-free will be able to perform their function better, leading to reduced running costs and less chance of becoming damaged. When rusted machine parts require repairs or to be replaced entirely, workflow is often disrupted, adding to the expense.
When equipment is not used constantly, applying rust preventative oils before storage will ensure it is ready to operate whenever required. Whether you are using stationary or mobile machinery, the use of a rust preventative oil can also result in long-term economic benefits. Mechanical equipment represents a substantial financial investment and using a rust preventative can make sure owners get the most from their machinery. Specially formulated with protective properties, a regular schedule of rust preventative oiling can add years to the active service of equipment.
