Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Lubricants
Every company should take this responsibility seriously, taking care to avoid common issues and improve internal processes. Here are three mistakes to avoid when purchasing lubricants that can help streamline your entire operation.
1. Remember the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Most fleet operators are loyal to the existing lubricant partner and for a good reason. They are reliable, service is first-class, and lubricants make up a decent percentage of the overall operating budget. The industry has shown that change is constant, and vendors often neglect positions that favor their clients. Is your current supplier offering the best solutions for your organization’s needs?
2. Underestimating quality control is huge
Oil contamination leads to excessive wear on vehicle components and often resulting in costly repairs and unnecessary downtime. What is your supplier’s quality control procedure? When purchasing or handling a lubricant, it is vital to understand the supply chain and quality control procedures that are in place to ensure product integrity. Does your lubricant supplier provide you a Lubrication Specialist to help you with a game plan?
3. Who’s benefiting from the delivery schedule?
Time is money. Same/next day delivery options should always be available to assist with those unforeseen critical situations. When selecting a lubricant supplier, it’s essential to ask these questions and choose a vendor that views your business needs with the same sense of urgency they see theirs. Does your current supplier offer a delivery window that is beneficial to your operation – do they provide bulk inventory management tools such as intank monitoring to maximize inventory efficiency and ensure products are always delivered on time?
The bottom line is when choosing your lubricant supplier; it is crucial to seek a partnership that suits your business needs best. It is essential to remind yourself that there are hundreds of licensed engine oils that all meet the same performance specifications, but are you using the oil that is most beneficial for your fleet?
