Changing lubricating oil regularly is essential to ensure the proper functioning, durability, and efficiency of engines, machinery, and industrial systems.
Why are oil changes important?
In this guide, we draw on American Petroleum’s more than 40 years of experience in the energy industry in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean to explain why are oil changes important for protecting your equipment and maximizing your investment.
What does lubricating oil do?
Lubricating oil performs vital functions in any engine, hydraulic system, or transmission:
- Reduce friction. It forms a film that prevents direct contact between metal surfaces.
- Dissipate heat. It helps control the temperature generated by the operation of the equipment.
- Prevent premature wear. It minimizes friction and extends the life of components.
- Protect against corrosion. Creates a barrier that prevents damage from moisture or oxidizing agents.
- Carries away impurities and sediments. Collects contaminating particles that are then filtered out to prevent damage.
What happens when lubricating oil is not changed regularly
- Loss of protective properties. Over time, the oil loses its ability to lubricate and protect effectively.
- Increased internal wear. Increased friction between parts leads to accelerated deterioration.
- Risk of overheating. The system stops dissipating heat properly, raising the internal temperature.
- Sediment buildup. Unfiltered residues accumulate and can clog ducts or components.
- Increased fuel consumption. The engine operates less efficiently and requires more energy.
- Costly long-term damage. The risk of serious mechanical failures increases, leading to costly repairs or even equipment replacement.
How often should lubricating oil be changed?
The ideal frequency for periodically changing lubricating oil depends on the type of use, operating conditions, and manufacturer’s recommendations. Here are some general guidelines:
- Personal vehicles (gasoline or diesel). Between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers, or as indicated in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Industrial fleets. More frequent changes depending on working hours, load conditions, and operational demands.
- Heavy machinery. It is recommended to follow cycles based on operating hours and oil analysis.
- Hydraulic or transmission systems. Replacement depends on factors such as temperature, working pressure, and environmental conditions. Here is more information about lubricants for hydraulic systems.
Which product to use when changing lubricating oil periodically
At American Petroleum, we work with three main brands: American Quality Lubricants (AQL), Petro-Canada (PC), and Phillips 66 (P66). Each brand has specialized solutions for different applications.
Below is a practical guide on which product to use when periodically changing lubricating oil by type of use, highlighting the most suitable lines and examples of representative products.
- 🔧 Light and personal vehicles. For modern or conventional gasoline engines, these lines offer internal cleanliness, fuel economy, and wear protection:
- AQL – Supreme Line. Reliable and semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants for everyday use, such as:
- AQL Supreme SAE 5W30
- AQL Supreme SAE 5W20
- AQL Supreme SAE 10W30
- Petro‑Canada – Supreme Line. Premium oils designed for maximum efficiency and thermal stability, such as:
- Petro‑Canada Supreme Synthetic 5W30
- Petro‑Canada Supreme Synthetic Blend 5W20
- Petro‑Canada Supreme 10W30
- Phillips 66 – Shield Line. Advanced lubricants that meet ILSAC GF-6 / API SP for modern vehicles, such as:
- P66 Shield Valor 5W30 Gen 3 (synthetic)
- P66 Shield Choice 5W20 SN+
- P66 Shield Choice 10W30 GF-6
- AQL – Supreme Line. Reliable and semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants for everyday use, such as:
- 🚛 Heavy-duty vehicles/fleets. Diesel engine oils for transportation, construction, and commercial fleets, these lines guarantee extended protection, stability, and compliance with CK-4 standards:
- AQL – Supreme CK-4 line. Multigrade oil for heavy-duty engines under demanding conditions, such as:
- AQL Supreme 15W40 CK-4
- AQL Supreme 10W30 CK‑4
- AQL Supreme Synthetic Blend 15W40 CK‑4
- Petro‑Canada – DURON line. High-performance lubricating oils for commercial vehicles; SHP, HP, and UHP options depending on the level of demand, such as:
- DURON SHP 15W40
- DURON HP 15W40
- DURON UHP 5W40 (Full Synthetic)
- Phillips 66 – Guardol ECT line. Lubricants with liquid titanium technology, designed for modern engines with DPF, SCR, EGR, such as:
- P66 Guardol ECT 15W40 CK‑4
- P66 Guardol ECT 10W30 CK‑4
- P66 Guardol XT Full Synthetic 5W40
- AQL – Supreme CK-4 line. Multigrade oil for heavy-duty engines under demanding conditions, such as:
- 🛠️ Industrial applications. For hydraulic systems, industrial plants, agricultural or construction machinery, these lines ensure wear protection, cleanliness, and stability in severe conditions:
- AQL – Premium Hydraulic AW Line. Versatile and reliable lubricants for standard hydraulics and mobile equipment, such as:
- AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 32
- AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 46
- AQL Premium Hydraulic Oil AW 68
- Petro‑Canada – HYDREX line. High-performance anti-wear hydraulic fluids with international approvals, such as:
- HYDREX AW 32
- HYDREX AW 46
- HYDREX XV All Season
- Phillips 66 – Megaflow AW line. Hydraulic oils for high-pressure and industrial precision systems, such as:
- P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 32
- P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 46
- P66 Megaflow AW Hydraulic Oil 68
- AQL – Premium Hydraulic AW Line. Versatile and reliable lubricants for standard hydraulics and mobile equipment, such as:
- ⚙️ Transmission or differential systems. For changing the oil in automatic transmissions, heavy-duty transmissions, or universal fluids for agricultural and industrial machinery, these lines offer high thermal stability, friction protection, and compatibility with OEM equipment:
- AQL – ATF and Universal Tractor Fluid line. Economical and versatile formulations for automatic transmissions and combined hydraulic/transmission systems, such as:
- AQL ATF DEXRON III/MERCON
- AQL Universal Hydraulic Tractor Fluid
- AQL ATF DEXRON III/MERCON
- Petro-Canada – DURATRAN, DURADRIVE, and PRODURÓ TO-4+ lines. Designed for automatic transmissions, heavy-duty differentials, and agricultural machinery, such as:
- PC DURATRAN (THF J20C)
- PC DURADRIVE HD Synthetic Blend ATF
- PC PRODURÓ TO-4+ 50
- Phillips 66 – PowerDrive, Versatrans, and Triton lines. Heavy-duty transmission oils and automotive ATF fluids designed to withstand high loads, temperatures, and duty cycles, such as:
- P66 PowerDrive Fluid 30
- P66 Super ATF
- P66 Versatrans ATF
- AQL – ATF and Universal Tractor Fluid line. Economical and versatile formulations for automatic transmissions and combined hydraulic/transmission systems, such as:
American Petroleum, your strategic partner in lubricant solutions!
With more than four decades of experience, we are official lubricant distributors of leading brands in the industry and offer coverage throughout the island.
Our technical team is ready to advise you on selecting the right product when changing your lubricating oil periodically, ensuring a reliable supply and solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of your operation.
Do you want to extend the life of your equipment, reduce operating costs, and maximize performance? For more information, visit https://americanpetroleumpr.com/en/ and https://americanpetroleumpr.com/en/lubricants-oils/.