What should be avoided to prevent reduced lubricant effectiveness?

To prevent reduced lubricant effectiveness, it is crucial to avoid cross-contamination of lubricants. Cross-contamination occurs when different types of lubricants mix together, which can lead to detrimental chemical interactions. For instance, mixing oils with different additives or base oils can diminish the performance characteristics intended for each lubricant, such as their ability to reduce friction, wear, and oxidation. This can result in lubrication failures, increased wear on machinery, and ultimately lead to equipment breakdown, increased maintenance costs, and downtime.

By avoiding cross-contamination, the specific properties of the lubricants remain intact, ensuring they perform as designed for their intended applications. This is critical in maintaining the longevity and reliability of machinery and in preserving the machinery's performance levels.