How often should equipment be lubricated?

• A. Daily
• B. At regular intervals
• C. Weekly
• D. Only during maintenance

Answer: (B)

Lubrication is a maintenance task that needs to be scheduled, not left to guesswork. The best practice is to cleanly define a cadence and lubricate at regular intervals. This timing comes from how the lubricant ages, how contaminants affect it, and how fast bearings wear under different conditions. By sticking to a regular schedule, you keep components protected from friction and overheating, while avoiding the problems of over-lubrication (which can trap dirt and squeeze past seals) or under-lubrication (which leads to accelerated wear and potential failure). The exact interval depends on the lubricant type (grease versus oil), manufacturer guidance, operating environment (dust, temperature, humidity), load and speed, and whether you use condition-based checks to adjust the plan. In short, a defined regular interval is the standard approach for reliable lubrication.