Understanding VI is important to discern whether the lubricant in question meets the asset’s requirements based on the operating temperature range. The change in an oil’s viscosity due to a temperature change is called the viscosity index (VI). The lubricant’s formulation and quality will impact how much its viscosity will drop with an increase in temperature. Viscosity is also affected by temperature. Taking a proactive approach to monitoring your lubricant’s viscosity can make a big difference in the health and life of your machinery. It is influenced by several factors such as contamination with water, particles or other lubricants.
Viscosity can be defined as an oil’s resistance to flow and shear. A lubricant’s viscosity is its most important property.
