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Direct contact between two metallic surfaces causes friction, producing heat. These moving parts sustain increased wear and tear as a result. When a small layer of lubricant separates them, the moving parts do not make contact with each other, reducing the amount of wear and tear. While lubricants can be solids, liquids, or gasses, liquid lubricants are used for engine lubrication systems.

While most mechanics know the importance of proper lubrication, many do not have a preventative maintenance plan to protect against mechanical failures or equipment damage.

Why Lubricating Systems Preventive Maintenance is Important

If you don’t have a proper preventative maintenance plan for your lubricating systems, chances are you’ll deal with equipment failures, roller bearing damage, bearing failures, or mechanical failures. A regular oil analysis program keeps your equipment in tip-top shape and avoids potential component failures.

For example, a consistent oil analysis program can diagnose numerous issues, such as coolant or fuel leaks, and determine additive levels. In addition, the data that you uncover from oil analysis helps you eliminate future lubrication issues.

Lubricating System Maintenance: What To Check For

Now that you know the importance of performing preventative maintenance on your lubricating system, you must understand what things to check. First, it’s crucial to store lubricants in a properly sealed container to prevent potential clogs in the system. Also, only recommended lubricants should be used, so avoid those with additives, as they can clog your system.

A solid preventative maintenance program includes the following items:

• Ensure you clean the lubrication reservoir occasionally but avoid using cotton rags.
• Confirm that the suction filter is replaced annually while the screens are cleaned annually.
• Empty and clean the strainer often.
• Replace the pressure filter annually.
• Scan all of your flexible hoses for holes, cracks, or breakdowns.
• Inspect any tubing or pipes for breaks or flattening.
• Review all the connection points for leaks and tighten connections if applicable.
• Monitor the system for unusual increases or drops in pressure.

Even after performing all of the above items, conducting an oil analysis on your equipment is a good idea. The condition of the oil is a reflection of how well the machine is working and functioning. And without that analysis, you may think that your equipment is efficient when there’s something significantly wrong.

Benefits of Oil Analysis on Your Lubrication System

Having a preventative maintenance schedule for your lubrication system and performing oil analysis gives you the necessary insights into the operation of your machines. Without this analysis, you may assume your equipment is efficient and running smoothly. The benefits of oil analysis on your lubrication system are included below:

A Detailed Explanation of Your System’s Performance

Instead of leaving your equipment to chance, oil analysis can provide a comprehensive breakdown of your system’s performance. This breakdown can detect specific contaminants and show what problems may occur from those impurities.

Unfortunately, some contaminants can cause severe issues, and without oil analysis, you wouldn’t know about the problems until it’s too late. For example, iron and aluminum can show cylinder or piston damage. And an antifreeze or water leak can strain the whole machine trying to push the thickened oil. If there’s water in the analysis, you are likely to have broken seals, or the equipment’s temperature is less than optimal.

Discover Problems Before They Happen

Oil analysis can save you time and money in the long run because it discovers problems before they happen. This comprehensive report of the lubricant in your equipment can indicate minor issues before they become significant.

For example, you can learn about specific types of wear and tear through oil analysis and any problems with the filtration system. If you have improper filtration, it can lead to costly repairs in the future.

Less Downtime and Fewer Extensive Repairs

Any minor issues will likely go unnoticed if you don’t perform preventative maintenance on your machines. But unfortunately, those minor issues often become massive over time, requiring extensive repairs. Not only do those repairs cost money, but they also cause downtime for your business.

Regular oil analysis can detect internal parts breaking down with high metal levels. In addition, the analysis can find potential cross-contamination with additive levels, particle counts, or even viscosity.

This regularly scheduled testing provides critical insights into the efficacy of your machines. These insights allow you to fix minor issues before they become extensive issues.

You can identify problems sooner and promptly and effectively address problem areas by routinely analyzing the lubricants in your machines. This ability will save the need for expensive repairs and unanticipated downtime.

The Extended Life of Your Equipment

Just like with anything, routine and proper maintenance increase your equipment’s chance of a long, useful life. Not only can oil analysis prevent extensive repairs, repair bills, and downtime, but it can keep your equipment running smoothly for an extended period.

And, when you have more efficient and better-running machinery, it’s less likely to need significant repairs over its lifetime. In addition, you likely won’t need to replace components quite as often as with less efficient machines.

Save Money

If oil analysis can help you avoid significant machine issues and long periods of downtime while extending the equipment’s life, you will inevitably save money.

This type of analysis is the easiest way to monitor the efficiency of your equipment. In addition, a consistent analysis program can reduce risk, uncertainty, and reactive work. Finally, because this program is used for predictive maintenance, it saves you money by preventing significant damage, reducing downtime, and decreasing the need for unplanned repairs. An oil analysis program increases production, efficiency, uptime, and equipment reliability.

Every mechanic needs an automotive repair parts partner, whether you’re a quick lube shop, brake shop, or muffler repair center. So let SVI be your partner! With over forty years as the premier supplier of repair parts, we are experts in what we do!

When the average consumer hears the word “oil,” destructive oil spills often leap to mind. Doesn’t oil have detrimental effects on the environment? The economy?

When industry leaders think about “oil,” the proper removal of contaminated oil, wasted or used, comes to mind, completed by utilizing the proper waste oil transfer pump. How can one choose the proper waste oil transfer pump? Below, we discuss the importance of transferring waste oil and share a guide to selecting the best pump for waste oil for your auto shop.

Choosing the Proper Waste Oil Transfer Pump is A Necessity

Choosing the proper waste oil pump is a necessity. Why? Because waste oil can be hazardous, requiring careful removal. Though not a consistent occurrence, waste oil can display characteristics of hazardous waste materials. If this happens, the oil must be managed according to specific requirements. If the oil is non-hazardous, applicable requirements are still necessary to follow.

The proper transfer pump is portable, powerful, and trustworthy, always apt to meet specific requirements and properly transfer waste oil.

A Quick Note Regarding “Used Oil” and “Waste Oil”

Individuals often confuse “waste oil” with “used oil.” Choosing an ideal transfer pump begins with a grasp of both terms.

“Waste oil,” either petroleum-based or synthetic, is a contaminated oil that has become unsuitable for its intended purpose and must be disposed of carefully. Simply put, “used oil” is either petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used. Contamination results from the physical or chemical properties infused into the oil during use, resulting in oil that must now be disposed. Oils that fall into this category often include hydraulic oil, transmission oil, gear box oil, synthetic oil, motor oil, brake fluids, etc.

Selecting the Proper Waste Oil Pump

Selecting the proper pump begins with defining terms. Understanding definitions simplifies the selection process. Initially, we have provided a simple differentiation between a high-volume pump, high torque pump, and diaphragm pump:

• High volume pumps are utilized to transfer thin or warm oils.
• High torque pumps are utilized to transfer thick or cool oils.
• Diaphragm pumps are utilized for centrifuge systems. Diaphragm pumps are built for mineral oil, vegetable oil, or biodiesel oil transfer. Diaphragm pumps are primarily utilized for centrifuge systems.

As demonstrated, viscosity, type of oil, and environmental conditions play a role in selecting the ideal transfer pump. For example, thick oil requires a higher torque pump. Thin oils move quickly and require less sheer power to transfer. Below, we have compiled a list of considerations to keep in mind while choosing a pump:

• Does the pump include a filtration system? Often, waste oil is contaminated with organic objects, from leaves to garbage. These quickly clog a transfer pump without proper filtration.
• Evaluate the environments in which the transfer pump will be applied. Will the pump face extreme temperatures? If the pump functions well in extreme cold, will it function well in a desert-like environment? Consider that the pump will be transported and utilized in a variety of locations with different environment. These considerations will play into the chosen equipment.
• How long should the pump last? Well, for a long, long time! Though the answer may seem obvious, ensuring the chosen pump is made with high-quality, sturdy materials is important. An equally important question, if a small but crucial component of the pump breaks, are specific repair parts readily available?

SVI International, Inc seeks to make the process of choosing the proper waste oil transfer pump simple. We provide two transfer pumps, built to address common issues regarding waste oil transfer.

PTP-1140-GRD

The PTP-1140-GRD Transfer Pump is built to last, with heavy-duty, industrial grade equipment. At 110V, the PTP-1140 pump is ideal for both extremely hot or cold environments, perfect for transfer and utilization in a wide variety of disparate environments. The PTP-1140 features a cast iron gear pump with hardened steel helical gears and an internal bypass pressure relief valve. To provide ease of transfer, the PTP-1140 includes a round carrying handle for comfort.

The PTP-1140 pump is built for strength and convenience. As mentioned, transferring the pump is seamless, and the places it can be used are nearly endless. A few possible applications include transferring waste oil at maintenance facilities across the Canadian oil sands, removing transformer oil by electrical power co-ops, and working at any industrial or automotive facility where waste oil accumulates and needs removal.

PTP-1140 pumps can be ordered with an optional 10-micron spin-on filter system, built to allow for the transfer of either filtered or unfiltered oil by switching valve positions. As mentioned, filtration is crucial to prevent clogging. Filtered waste oil is especially important when oil is transferred from oil burning furnace system reservoirs.Clogging prevention allows for proper and efficient combustion of oil within the furnace.

Furthermore, the pump is excellent for industrial environments, easily used for periodic oil changes on large machinery. For example, lathes working in high-volume turning operations require pumps to refresh and renew their oil. Simple to operate and maneuver, the PTP-1140 quickly pumps out old oil and fills the new.

Finally, the PTP-1140 is not made to be thrown out. The pump is long-last and robust, delivering real value to end customers who deserve respect. If a specific piece fails, SVI International is also the provider of each part – quick and reliable to get the pump back to work.

PTP-1140-GRD-SFO

The PTP-1140-GRD-SFO is extraordinarily similar to its counterpart, discussed above, with identical features, quality, and versatility. The only difference: this variety comes equipped with a spin-on filtration system (SFO). This system simplifies the process of changing and maintaining the filter, allowing for quick and efficient removal of contaminants from the waste oil being pumped. The spin-on design is known for its convenience and ease of use, enabling operators to swiftly replace the filter without requiring specialized tools or extensive downtime.

Why Purchase from SVI International?

SVI International, Inc. is the leader in repair parts for automotive and industrial equipment. We are devoted to providing innovative solutions to a variety of industries, offering high-quality products and parts – readily available at our three warehouses across the U.S.

We want to work with you, and we are always a phone call away. For questions, concerns, or help placing an order, call us at (800) 321-8173 or via our online contact form!

Tire changers can efficiently take the tire off the wheel assembly without damaging the rim or wheel. If you work in a shop, there’s no question how essential a tire changer is for efficient and safe work. However, with the variety of tire changers available today, buying a new one can be overwhelming. 

When buying a new tire changer, there are a few things to consider, besides the types of changers available. 

Things to Consider When Buying a Tire Changer 

Space

It’s not only important to measure the dimensions of your area, but you also need to consider the tilt-back feature of some tire changers. So, before purchasing a new tire changer, see if you need to account for any additional space beyond the standard dimensions. 

Available Power

Your available power source may not be your first thought when purchasing a new tire changer, but it will determine what options are available to you. 

Some shops need a powerful tire changer but don’t have access to a 220 volt outlet. In addition, many heavy-duty tire chargers for large trucks or buses often require three-phase power, which isn’t available in most shops. 

Size of Tires

Although many assume that a tire changer with a 30-inch diameter can service a 30-inch tire, it’s not the case. The tire size must be smaller than the maximum range of the tire changer. 

It’s also a good idea to think ahead- if you plan on servicing larger vehicles at any point, it might be a good idea to purchase a tire changer with a more extensive maximum extendable range.

Needs of Your Shop

In addition to tire size, you must consider the types of tires or wheels you service. For example, if you ever service low-profile or run-flat tires, you’ll need to ensure that the tire changer can handle them. If you try to use a tire changer not designed for those tires, you can risk damaging the rims, costing you thousands of dollars. 

If you are a high-volume mechanic, you will likely want a power-assisted mounting arm. 

Lastly, upgrading to a newer model would be a good idea if your shop currently uses a center-post tire changer. Today’s cars typically have rims that require the tire changer to clamp onto them. In addition, clamps make the tire changer easier to use and reduce the risk of damage to alloy or aluminum rims. 

Features and ease of use

Tire changers have become increasingly complicated with advanced features such as tilt-back towers, hydraulic drop-rollers, interchangeable duck heads, and swing arms. 

If you want to save time, you’ll want to invest in a tire changer with a swing or assist arm. While it can increase the price of your tire changer, the time savings may be worth it. In addition, pneumatically-powered assist arms lock in place and securely hold the wheel assembly without damaging it. 

Budget

While your budget is essential when considering what tire changer to purchase, it’s also vital that you get one that meets your needs. For example, getting a reasonably priced one might be tempting because it fits your budget, but does it fit your shop’s needs? 

On the flip side, it’s not always wise to purchase the most expensive equipment because you assume it’s the best. The most expensive ones are usually made for high-performance vehicles with special wheels and tires. 

Labor Costs

Another consideration is the high labor costs of today’s economy. Investing in a new tire changer allows your shop to have one technician changing tires, allowing other mechanics to take on additional duties. 

Without a tire changer, many shops require two technicians for each tire job, causing labor costs to skyrocket over time. 

Most Popular Types of Tire Changers 

There are several types of tire changers, each with a different purpose to suit your needs. 

Manual

A manual tire changer is ideal for small shops or garages because they are economical and budget-friendly. However, they require more physical assistance from your mechanics than other types. 

Tilt Back

A tilt-back tire changer can angle back to fit large tires, which makes it a practical choice for shops that service large wheels. Not only does it service larger wheels, but because you don’t have to screw or unscrew the head or use attachments and bases, it’s a faster machine overall. 

Compared to swing arm tire changers, it’s a bit more expensive. 

Swing Arm

A swing arm tire changing machine is a good option for shops that consistently service the same size tires. Otherwise, the mechanic will have to adjust the clamps with every tire change. A swing arm tire changer has four adjustable tabletop jaws that provide safety and stability. For added protection to the wheels, the high-grip jaw delivers mounting torque. 

Unlike the tilt-back changer, you must unscrew the swing arm’s head to fit different tires, increasing the labor time. However, many shops find the swing arm tire changers to be the most straightforward and efficient for the price range. 

Leverless

Leverless tire changers, or touchless tire changers, are a fantastic solution for shops that service low-profile or run-flat tires. Leverless tire changers lift and set up heavy tire rims without needing manual help from technicians. As a result, this tire changer eliminates the need for your technicians to bend down each time. 

Although leverless tire changers are more expensive than other types, they are frontrunners in tire-changing technology. 

Heavy-duty

You will likely need a heavy-duty tire changer if you service construction, off-road, or agricultural vehicles. A heavy-duty machine can service wheels up to 56 inches in diameter and tires up to 90.5 inches with a width of 43 inches. If you need to service even larger tires, some heavy-duty models can handle tires up to 95 inches. 

Heavy-duty machines use a four-jaw chuck to mount and dismount the wheel. 

Motorcycle

Because motorcycles have smaller tires than a standard vehicle, it is unnecessary to purchase a typical tire changer to service them. Motorcycle tire changers have a bead loosening system and manual rim clamps and can service ATV and motorcycle tires. 

Once you find the best tire changer for your shop, it’s vital to identify a trustworthy provider for automotive parts, as even the best-rated tire changer will need maintenance and repair during its lifetime. 

SVI is North America’s largest repair parts and accessories provider for vehicle tire changers. You’re sure to find what you need with parts from over 30 manufacturers, including Coats, Ranger, Nussbaum, and Triumph. So, whether you’re looking for seals, tubing, fittings, blade covers, or plastic covers for your jaw clamps, we look forward to helping you find them. 

SVI International, Inc. understands most automotive shop owners are hesitant to purchase fresh off-the-shelf equipment, especially when it comes to expensive auto lifts. As the auto lift industry’s leading parts supplier for both the repair and production of all types of automotive lifts, we provide our clients with information to help them make the best decisions regarding their automotive equipment. Below, we’ll walk through a few of the most important factors to consider when choosing used auto lifts, ensuring you have a reliable product for years to come.

ALI Certified

Safety comes first. That is why one of the most important aspects of buying a used auto lift is making sure whichever lift you purchase is ALI Certified (Automotive Lift Institute.) An ALI Certification lets you know the lift falls under rigorous safety and quality requirements. During your used auto lift buying journey, take some time to go onto the ALI Certified website and see which models are included. An ALI certified sticker should also be on the lift itself.

Type of Lift

When looking for the right used auto lifts, it is important to know what kind of vehicles you’ll be working with. Different vehicles require unique lifts to make sure the car is lifted correctly, and the work environment is safe.

Here are some of the different types of used lifts on the market:

Two-Post Lifts

A two-post lift is the most common and versatile life. This type of car lift can be used on most vehicles and allows for easy access for most mechanical work.

Four-Post Car and Truck Lifts

A four-post car lift is great for a high-traffic environment. Not only are four-post lifts more time-efficient for exiting, but they are generally considered safer than a two-post lift.

Car Parking Lift

Car parking lifts are very secure and long-lasting. There are many types of car park lifts, with four post parking lifts being favored for their practicality and ability to store more than one vehicle. If you need storage for multiple vehicles and are looking for a lift that can be relied upon for long-term stress, a car parking lift is worth looking into.

Scissor Lift

If space is a concern in the shop, a scissor lift is a good choice on account of its smaller size compared to a traditional two- or four-post lift. In fact, some scissor lifts are even portable. Different scissor models come with varying heights to help you select based on the average height of the vehicles you work on and the ceiling heights in your shop.

Cost

Purchasing an auto lift can be pricey, even when purchasing used. However, an auto lift gives freedom of space on account of the storage aspect. Ease of access to the vehicles being worked on also makes the investment worth it for many clients.

There are good deals on used auto lifts out there, you may just need to look around a bit to find them. Some places to shop are private sales and foreclosure auctions. Big-name manufacturer lifts that are ALI Certified hold the greatest resale amount and are the safer choice when shopping used. Any lifts you are considering purchasing should undergo a thorough inspection before being acquired.

Warranty

A downside to buying a used auto lift is the absence of a warranty with the purchase of the lift. Auto lifts are an investment for any shop, big or small. All due diligence can be done to find the perfect used auto lift, but if any breaks happen after purchasing the entirety of the cost is on the owner. Factor in your budget and the risk versus gain when it comes to a used auto lift and the absence of a warranty.

Inspection

Close inspection is crucial when looking to buy a used auto lift. Make sure to review all cylinders and seals for signs of hydraulic fluid leaks. Cables should be checked for fraying and abnormal wear. As a whole, the lift should be checked for corrosion and if there are any deeper integrity related issues with rust.

Choosing a Used Auto Lift with SVI International

Buying a used auto lift is a comprehensive process and SVI International is here for you every step of the way. Not only do we offer the most information on purchasing used auto lifts, but we are also there for our customers beyond the purchase. We carry replacement parts to ensure your used auto lift remains fully functional and safe for years to come.

From large commercial shops to mom-and-pop shop on the corner, SVI International is there to serve all our clients with the highest quality service. Feel free to stop by our website or reach out to us today at 800-321-8173 with any questions about purchasing your own used auto lift or repair parts for your current machinery.