Technical Support

Lubrication expertise you can actually use

Whether you need help selecting the right product, troubleshooting an application issue, or planning a lubrication programme review — our technical team is here to help.

What We Can Help With

Practical support, not just a helpline

Our technical team has hands-on knowledge of industrial and automotive lubrication. We're here to help businesses make better product decisions, avoid costly errors, and get the most from their lubricants.

Use the form below to submit a technical support request. We'll respond during business hours, typically on the same or next working day. For urgent queries, please call us directly.

📞 Need a fast answer?
Call us on 0800 000 0000 — Mon to Fri, 8am–5:30pm

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Specific to your application

We look at your actual equipment and operating conditions, not just give generic advice.

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Backed by data sheets

All recommendations are supported by product technical data sheets and specification sheets.

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Product switching support

Changing suppliers or products? We'll guide you through compatibility checks and drain-fill procedures.

Support Areas

Common technical support topics

These are some of the most frequent technical queries our team handles. We can help with all of them.

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Product Selection

Not sure which grade or type of oil or grease to use? We'll help you choose correctly based on your equipment, conditions, and OEM specifications.

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Switching Products

Changing from one lubricant brand or type to another? We'll advise on compatibility, flushing requirements, and crossover products.

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Grease Compatibility

Mixing incompatible greases can cause failure. We'll check thickener and base oil compatibility before you commit to a product change.

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Oil Analysis Guidance

Interpreting oil analysis results or looking to start an oil analysis programme? We can help you understand what the data means for your equipment.

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Application Troubleshooting

Experiencing excessive wear, overheating, foaming, or contamination? We can help diagnose whether the lubricant is contributing to the problem.

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Viscosity Queries

Questions about ISO VG grades, SAE classifications, or understanding viscosity index? We'll explain it clearly and practically.

Technical Resources

Product documentation and technical data

Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Product Data Sheets (PDS), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available for all Midshire Lubricants products. Request documents via the form below or directly from your account manager.

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Technical Data Sheets

Detailed product performance data, viscosity specifications, and test results for all products in the Midshire range.

Request TDS
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Product Data Sheets

Application summaries, typical uses, key benefits, and storage guidance for each product in the range.

Request PDS
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Safety Data Sheets

GHS/REACH-compliant SDS documents for all products. Required for COSHH compliance and workplace safety.

Request SDS
24/7 Live Support

Quick question? Ask Sally first

Sally can help triage your technical query, point you to the right product documentation, or escalate your question to a member of our technical team.

For complex technical questions that require detailed analysis, please use the form below to submit a full technical support request.

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Sally — 24/7 Live Support

Sally's embed will appear here. She can help with quick technical queries before escalation.

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FAQ

Frequently asked technical questions

What's the difference between mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic lubricants? +
Mineral oils are refined from crude oil and offer a cost-effective baseline. Semi-synthetic (or part-synthetic) oils blend mineral and synthetic base oils to improve performance. Fully synthetic oils use chemically engineered base stocks, offering superior temperature stability, oxidation resistance, and longer service life — typically at a higher upfront cost. The right choice depends on your equipment specifications, operating conditions, and service interval requirements.
Can I mix different brands or grades of hydraulic oil? +
In general, mixing hydraulic oils of different brands but the same type and viscosity grade is unlikely to cause immediate problems — but it is not recommended. Additive packages from different manufacturers can interact unpredictably, potentially reducing performance or accelerating degradation. If you are switching suppliers, it is best practice to flush the system before introducing the new oil. Contact our technical team for guidance specific to your situation.
How do I know when to change my industrial gearbox oil? +
Gearbox oil change intervals depend on the oil type, operating temperature, load, and the gearbox manufacturer's recommendations. A typical mineral oil in a standard enclosed gearbox might be changed every 3,000–5,000 hours. High-quality synthetic gear oils can extend this significantly. The most reliable approach is oil analysis — regular sampling can tell you the actual condition of the oil and help you move from time-based to condition-based maintenance.
What does NLGI grade mean for greases? +
NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) grade describes the consistency of a grease — essentially how soft or firm it is. The scale runs from 000 (very fluid) to 6 (very hard). NLGI 2 is the most common grade for general-purpose bearing grease and offers a balance of pumpability and retention. NLGI 0 or 1 greases are used in centralised lubrication systems. Always check the OEM recommendation for your specific application.
Is it safe to mix OAT and HOAT coolants? +
It is not recommended to mix OAT (Organic Acid Technology) and HOAT (Hybrid OAT) coolants. While they share some similarities, their inhibitor chemistry differs and mixing can reduce the overall service life and corrosion protection of the coolant. If you are unsure what coolant is in your system, drain and flush before refilling with the correct type. Contact us if you need help identifying the right product for your vehicle or system.
Submit a Request

Technical support request

Fill in as much detail as you can about your application, equipment, and the question or issue you're facing. The more information you provide, the more useful our response can be.

  • Responded by a real technical specialist
  • Usually same or next working day
  • We may follow up by phone if needed
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