Trends in Used Oil Analysis: Insights from MOL-LUB’s Diagnostic Laboratory Over the Last Decade

MOL-LUB Ltd., a leading lubricant manufacturer and service provider, has operated a dedicated used oil diagnostic laboratory since 1997 and is a proud member of the WearCheck International network. Through our oil analysis services, we support partners in optimizing maintenance strategies and improving equipment reliability.

This presentation explores the evolution of sampling practices over the past ten years, based on data from Hungary and neighboring countries (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Romania, and Serbia). In 2015, our laboratory analyzed 6,532 samples submitted by 322 partner companies, while by 2024, this number had grown to 9,540 samples from 289 companies. These figures illustrate not only the overall increase in sample volumes but also a shift in partner engagement and sampling habits. We also examine which types of oil and machine types dominate today, and how this is different compared to ten years ago. Furthermore, we analyze changes in sample distribution across industries and identify which partners consistently integrate oil analysis results into their predictive maintenance programs.

By reviewing these patterns, we provide valuable insights into how oil condition monitoring has become an integral part of asset management across diverse industries. The findings underscore the growing importance of data-driven maintenance and the role of laboratory diagnostics in extending equipment life and reducing operational risks.