“My supplier is pushing hard to move his synthetic gear oils into my operation. His position is that the units run too hot for long-term use of mineral oils. At what temperature should I switch to a Synthetic Oil lubricant for a non-circulated gearbox?”
First, the term synthetic is very broad, so we assume you are referring to lubricants that are formulated using polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic oil base.
Synthetic Oil
There is no single temperature point that dictates a time to move to synthetics. The decision is dependent on equipment continuous loads and shock loads, equipment availability for routine maintenance, criticality of the application, component life cycles, lubricant life cycles and failure modes among other things.
Generally, the rate of lubricant degradation doubles with every 18 degrees F increase in temperature. Once formulated with antioxidant additives, PAO-based lubricants have a lower baseline rate of oxidative degradation. At low temperatures, a PAO’s increased oxidative life may not be noticeable, particularly if you have to change the oil at some point for other reasons. At higher temperatures, the synthetic may last noticeably longer.
Typically, you begin to notice the extra life provided by a PAO synthetic oil above 160 degrees F. If it is above 180 degrees F, and especially 200 degrees F, the difference in oxidative life becomes quite apparent. However, the point at which a change to synthetic is justified is dependent perhaps on a handful of additional “program management” parameters such as:
1. Do you intend to run your gear oils with an appropriate use of filtration and oil analysis to support life-cycle extensions for many years?
2. Are you currently doing oil analysis and performing condition-based changes?
3. Do you have, and have you communicated to your lab, oxidation limits that flag impending oxidation problems?
4. Does the machine’s operating temperature vary a great deal (a PAO’s high viscosity index enables it to operate across a wider temperature range)?
5. Do you have an effective contamination control program in place that will enable you to fully exploit the PAO’s extended life?
With the appropriate management strategy, a change to a high-performance product can actually cost considerably less than the equivalent mineral oil product type. Outside of these considerations, somewhere around 165 degrees F represents the point at which you probably should begin to consider the use of synthetics for the sake of lubricant longevity, if not for the sake of reliability.
SyntheticOilHQ.com has carried the Mothers lineup for years. I have complained that we don’t have the Headlight Restoration kit, and NOW WE DO!.
Mother’s PowerballHeadlight Restoration Kit
For all those headlights that aren’t really clear anymore, these will make them clear! Putting in new HID or high performance bulbs? Polish them first! You’ve seen cheap crappy kits on TV, but this is the best, it’s from MOTHERS!
Mothers® PowerBall 4Lights® Headlight Restoration Kit Designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity. Mothers® PowerBall 4Lights® Headlight Restoration Kit easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges and flaws in a single step. The included PowerPlastic® Polish restores crystal clarity; leaving a tough, protective, oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements. Kit includes polishing tool, PowerPlastic® (8 oz.), two restoration pads and 15” x 15” microfiber towel.
The Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity. It easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges and flaws in a single step. The included PowerPlastic Polish restores crystal clarity, leaving a tough protective oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements.
See more clearly with Mothers PowerBall 4Lights headlight restoration kit. View larger.
Yellow, Clouded Headlights: Unsafe and Unsightly
Regardless of where you live, your car’s headlights are exposed to a variety of damaging environmental factors. Sunlight, UV rays, constant heating and cooling, rain, smog, harsh chemicals, pitting, and other factors can accelerate the affects of oxidation, quickly dulling and degrading your lenses. Not only is this an unsightly problem, but yellow, clouded headlights reduce light output and impede your ability to see at night, creating a serious safety concern.
Professional Results Made Easy
Restoring headlight clarity may seem complicated, but it’s not. Cleaning away yellowing and stains, and even buffing out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges, and flaws couldn’t be easier. Mothers Powerball 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit is a revolutionary product that utilizes a drill-mounted*, precision foam polishing ball to quickly, safely and affordably restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth plastic headlights to crystal clarity. Most lenses can be safely repaired in just minutes with a simple polishing procedure. Regardless of the challenge, Mothers unique restoration process will lead you down the proper path to complete headlight restoration, guaranteed.
The easy-to-use Mothers PowerBall 4Lights*. View larger.
A Great Investment, An Even Better Value
Restoring and maintaining headlights has never been so affordable. Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit and a little bit of your time is a great alternative to replacing your lenses, considering a single headlight can cost you hundreds of dollars. The kit contains everything you need to restore plastic headlights in any condition.
The PowerBall 4Lights polishing tool is washable and reusable. The included PowerPlastic 4Lights liquid polish restores clarity; leaving a tough, protective, oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements. And there’s enough polish to restore and routinely maintain all of your vehicle’s headlights for years to come.
Clarity In Minutes
With Mothers PowerBall 4Lights polishing tool attached to any cordless drill, apply a nickel-sized amount of the included PowerPlastic 4Lights liquid polish to the center of the ball. Polish the lens until clean and clear, adding polish as needed. Buff clean with the supplied microfiber towel. Enjoy the crystal-clear results.
To maintain and protect headlight clarity, apply Mothers PowerPlastic 4Lights liquid polish, by hand or with the PowerBall 4Lights polishing tool on a monthly basis.
Step 1 – Prep: – Works with any cordless drill and a dab of PowerPlastic Polish. View larger.
Step 2 – Polish: With Mothers PowerBall 4Lights*. Headlight restoration is safe and easy. View larger.
Step 3 – Shine: Buff clean with a microfiber towel. Enjoy crystal-clear results. View larger.
Effective On Clear Plastic Surfaces Such As…
Headlight lenses
Taillight lenses and reflectors
Plastic convertible top windows
Automotive bug shields
Motorcycle windscreens
Helmet faceshields
Plastic marine windows
Emergency vehicle safety lights
Key Features and Benefits
All-in-one kit
Restores, maintains and protects all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic surfaces
Professional results made easy and affordably
Like-new clarity in minutes
Safely removes yellowing, oxidation, pitting and scratches
Saves money over headlight replacement
Improves nighttime driving safety
Enhances vehicle appearance
Strengthens vehicle resale value
Proven PowerBall technology
What’s in the Box
PowerBall 4Lights polishing tool
8 oz. PowerPlastic 4Lights liquid polish
15″ x 15″ microfiber towel
Supplemental Severe damage Headlight Restoration Pack
Two double-sided Severe Damage Headlight Restoration Pads
Instruction sheet for repair of pitting, scratches or severe oxidation
Exclusive XPEL protective film discount offer
*Drill and Painter’s Tape Not Included
Satisfaction Guarantee
Satisfaction guaranteed when used as directed. Manufacturer’s liability limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price upon return of unused portion and proof of purchase.
About Mothers Polish
Mothers is known worldwide for its premium-grade polishes, waxes and cleaners and offers a broad array of finish care products under its California Gold, FX, Reflections, PowerBall, Marine and Professional lines.
Product Description
The Mothers PowerBall 4Lights Headlight Restoration Kit is designed to quickly and safely restore, maintain and protect all types of smooth, shiny plastic and acrylic headlights to crystal clarity. It easily cleans away yellowing and stains, and even buffs out unsightly hairline scratches, smudges and flaws in a single step. The included PowerPlastic Polish restores crystal clarity, leaving a tough protective oxidation-inhibiting polymer layer to guard against future degradation from the elements. This kit includes one polishing tool, an 8-ounce bottle of PowerPlastic formula, two restoration pads, and a 15-inch x 15-inch microfiber towel.
