FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the questions we are most often asked about UNIGLIDE products and their applications.

What is UNIGLIDE?

UNIGLIDE is a range of lubricant-enhancing metal treatments designed to help protect engines, machinery, mechanical systems and tools.

The technology is used across agriculture, automotive, civil construction, manufacturing, marine, mining and other industries. The range began with UNIGLIDE Friction Reducing Concentrate—better known as FRC—which remains a key component of many UNIGLIDE products.

The technology was originally developed in South Africa to help protect mining and construction equipment operating in hot, dusty and demanding conditions.

What is UNIGLIDE FRC?

FRC stands for Friction Reducing Concentrate.

UNIGLIDE FRC is designed to treat metal surfaces within mechanical equipment, reducing friction and helping machinery operate more smoothly and efficiently. Its purpose is to reduce wear, improve performance and extend the useful working life of treated equipment.

What is the primary purpose of UNIGLIDE FRC?

UNIGLIDE FRC is primarily designed to reduce friction between moving metal surfaces.

Lower friction can mean less heat generation and reduced wear, helping extend the service life of engines, machinery and mechanical components.

Although FRC is carried through a system by its existing lubricant, it is designed to treat the metal surfaces rather than alter the function of the oil itself.

What are the main benefits of using UNIGLIDE FRC?

Alongside reducing friction and wear, UNIGLIDE FRC is formulated to provide anti-corrosion, anti-oxidation and anti-foaming properties.

It also provides a mild cleaning or flushing action that can help move accumulated deposits through the system. Together, these properties are intended to support more efficient and reliable equipment operation.

How does UNIGLIDE work?

UNIGLIDE FRC forms a protective boundary layer on treated metal surfaces. This helps prevent direct metal-to-metal contact, reducing friction, heat and wear.

The protective layer is designed to remain on the metal after the equipment has been switched off and its main lubricant has drained back into the sump. This can provide additional protection during start-up, when mechanical components are particularly vulnerable to wear.

Where can UNIGLIDE be used?

UNIGLIDE products can be used in a broad range of mechanical applications requiring lubrication or metal protection.

Applications include:

  • Agricultural machinery

  • Cars and performance vehicles

  • Motorcycles and recreational vehicles

  • Marine engines and equipment

  • Construction and earthmoving machinery

  • Manufacturing equipment

  • Hydraulic systems

  • Workshop tools and equipment

  • Industrial machinery

  • Chains and conveyor systems

Always select the correct UNIGLIDE product for the intended application.

Which parts of a vehicle or mechanical system can be treated?

Depending on the product and application, UNIGLIDE may be used in:

  • Engines

  • Manual and automatic transmissions

  • Gearboxes

  • Differentials

  • Outboard motors

  • Hydraulic systems

  • Generators

  • Power-steering systems

  • Chains and sprockets

  • Workshop and power tools

Check the product instructions or contact us if you are unsure which product is appropriate.

Can UNIGLIDE help reduce environmental impact?

Reducing friction can help an engine or mechanical system operate more efficiently. In some applications, improved efficiency may contribute to better fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.

The actual result will depend on the equipment, its condition, operating environment, maintenance history and how it is used. Fuel and emissions improvements should therefore not be treated as guaranteed outcomes.

Extending the working life of machinery may also reduce the environmental and financial cost associated with premature replacement.

How has UNIGLIDE been tested?

UNIGLIDE reports that its technology has been evaluated by independent laboratories, including Queensland University of Technology, Lubetech WearCheck and Intertek Automotive Laboratories in the United States.

Testing has included work based on the ASTM D4172 four-ball wear test protocol. According to the manufacturer, testing undertaken at an elevated temperature of 150°C demonstrated an average wear reduction of approximately 10%.

Copies of supporting technical information should be consulted when assessing UNIGLIDE for a particular commercial or industrial application.

How quickly might I notice a difference?

Some customers report reduced mechanical noise and vibration shortly after applying UNIGLIDE. Other reported changes include smoother operation, more stable idling and improved responsiveness.

Results vary according to the age, condition and type of equipment. Further improvements may become noticeable after subsequent scheduled treatments.

UNIGLIDE does not repair existing mechanical damage or replace proper servicing and maintenance.

Can UNIGLIDE reduce machinery or engine noise?

Some users report a noticeable reduction in operating noise after applying UNIGLIDE FRC.

This may occur when reduced friction allows moving components to operate more smoothly. Results will vary, and unusual or excessive mechanical noise should always be investigated by a qualified technician.

What performance improvements might I experience?

Depending on the application and condition of the equipment, users may notice:

  • Smoother operation

  • Reduced noise or vibration

  • More stable idling

  • Improved responsiveness

  • Lower operating temperatures

  • Reduced mechanical wear

  • Improved equipment reliability

Some customers also report improved fuel economy. However, individual results will vary and no specific improvement can be guaranteed.

Can UNIGLIDE improve fuel economy or reduce emissions?

Friction generates heat and consumes energy. By reducing friction between moving metal surfaces, UNIGLIDE FRC may help an engine operate more efficiently.

In a correctly maintained engine, greater efficiency may contribute to improved fuel use and lower exhaust emissions. The result will depend on the engine’s condition, driving conditions, load, servicing and many other factors.

Can UNIGLIDE be used in a new or rebuilt engine?

The manufacturer recommends allowing new or rebuilt engines and equipment to complete their normal running-in period before applying UNIGLIDE.

As a general guide, this means waiting at least:

  • 5,000 kilometres for vehicles, including rotary engines

  • 250 operating hours for machinery, tools and other equipment

This allows components such as piston rings and valves sufficient time to bed or seat correctly. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s running-in instructions.

Can UNIGLIDE FRC be added to fuel?

UNIGLIDE FRC may be used as a fuel treatment where this application is specifically authorised by the current product instructions.

The manufacturer’s stated treatment ratio is:

  • First treatment: 10ml per 10 litres of fuel

  • Subsequent treatments: 5ml per 10 litres of fuel at approximately 1,600km intervals

This application is intended to provide additional upper-cylinder and fuel-system lubrication. Compatibility should be confirmed before use, particularly in modern vehicles with sensitive fuel or emissions-control systems.

How is UNIGLIDE FRC used in a manual transmission?

For the first manual gearbox treatment, the manufacturer recommends adding FRC at 10% of the gearbox oil capacity.

The initial concentration allows the product to form its protective layer while providing a mild flushing action.

For subsequent treatments, the recommended concentration is 5% of the gearbox oil capacity.

How is UNIGLIDE FRC used in an automatic transmission?

For automatic transmissions, the manufacturer recommends using FRC at 5% of the transmission-fluid capacity, including the first application.

For example, a one-litre fluid capacity would require 50ml of FRC.

Do not exceed the recommended concentration. Check the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements and confirm compatibility before use.

Can UNIGLIDE reduce hydraulic-system temperatures?

UNIGLIDE Hydraulic System Protector—or HSP—is designed to reduce friction and operating temperatures within hydraulic systems.

The recommended application is 3% to 5% of the hydraulic-oil capacity. In most cases, HSP is added directly to the hydraulic-oil reservoir.

Direct application to internal working components should only be undertaken by a suitably qualified person.

HSP is a non-particulate concentrate and does not contain suspended solid materials.

How much UNIGLIDE is required for a two-stroke engine?

The manufacturer recommends a treatment equal to 5% of the engine-oil capacity for two-stroke engines, including marine outboards.

Always check the product instructions and confirm suitability for the particular engine and oiling system before application.

Can UNIGLIDE be used on bicycle, motorcycle and machinery chains?

Yes. UNIGLIDE Chain Lube is intended for chains used on:

  • Bicycles

  • Motorcycles

  • Trikes

  • Quad bikes and ATVs

  • Side-by-side vehicles

  • Power tools

  • Workshop equipment

  • Light machinery

For industrial chains, conveyor systems and other demanding applications, UNIGLIDE Chain Lube HD may be more suitable.

Because the product is concentrated, only a relatively small amount should be required when correctly applied.

Can UNIGLIDE Chain Lube be used on rusty chains and sprockets?

UNIGLIDE Chain Lube can help loosen lightly rusted or seized components while lubricating and protecting chains, sprockets and derailleurs.

It may also help reduce drag and stiffness, allowing chain-driven components to move more freely.

Severely corroded, stretched or damaged parts should be repaired or replaced rather than relying on lubrication alone.

Can UNIGLIDE be used in commercial air-conditioning systems?

UNIGLIDE FRC may be used in certain commercial compressor applications. The manufacturer’s general recommendation is approximately 50ml, depending on the system.

Air-conditioning and refrigeration systems are specialised sealed systems. Application must only be carried out by an appropriately qualified technician after confirming compatibility with the compressor, lubricant and refrigerant.

Can UNIGLIDE be used in central-heating systems?

UNIGLIDE FRC may be used in suitable circulation pumps and mechanical components within some central-heating systems.

The amount required depends on where it is introduced:

  • Approximately 50ml when circulated through the main system

  • Approximately 20ml when applied directly to an appropriate pump

Application should be undertaken or approved by a qualified heating technician.

Can UNIGLIDE FRC be used with synchromesh gearboxes?

UNIGLIDE FRC has been used in manual gearboxes and synchromesh systems to help reduce friction and protect moving components.

Because synchromesh operation relies on controlled friction, correct dosage and compatibility are particularly important. Follow the recommended treatment ratio and seek advice if you are uncertain about a particular transmission.

Can UNIGLIDE FRC be used with wet clutches?

The manufacturer states that UNIGLIDE FRC can be used in suitable wet-clutch systems because it treats metal surfaces rather than the composite friction material.

However, wet-clutch performance depends heavily on lubricant specifications. Always check the motorcycle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and confirm product compatibility before use.

Can UNIGLIDE be used in power-steering systems?

UNIGLIDE Power Steering Conditioner is designed specifically for power-steering systems.

The manufacturer recommends adding 100ml to 200ml to the power-steering-fluid reservoir. The correct amount will depend on the system’s total fluid capacity.

Do not use this product in a system that specifies a fluid with which it is not compatible.

Will an engine flush remove UNIGLIDE FRC?

UNIGLIDE FRC is designed to form an adsorbed protective layer on treated metal surfaces.

Because this layer bonds to the metal rather than remaining only in the circulating oil, a routine engine flush is not expected to remove the entire treatment immediately.

Can UNIGLIDE be used on remote-controlled models?

UNIGLIDE Multispray and Chain Lube can be used on suitable moving metal components in remote-controlled vehicles and models.

They may help reduce drag, protect components and prevent dirt or dust from affecting moving parts. Their targeted application also makes them useful for maintenance between races or operating sessions.

Avoid applying lubricant to electrical contacts, brakes, friction surfaces or components that the model manufacturer says must remain dry.

Are there any important cautions?

Yes.

  • UNIGLIDE cannot repair metal surfaces or components that are already worn, broken or mechanically damaged.

  • It is intended to help reduce further friction and wear, not replace necessary repairs.

  • FRC is not recommended for clutch-type limited-slip differentials.

  • The manufacturer states that it is suitable for viscous limited-slip differentials and Detroit Lockers.

  • Do not exceed the recommended application ratio.

  • Always confirm product and lubricant compatibility.

  • Follow the instructions printed on the current New Zealand packaging.

  • Seek qualified advice for specialised industrial, hydraulic, HVAC or transmission applications.

Will using UNIGLIDE affect my manufacturer’s warranty?

Warranty coverage depends on the equipment manufacturer’s terms, the required lubricant specification and the cause of any failure.

UNIGLIDE FRC is designed to treat metal surfaces while using the existing lubricant as its carrier. However, no third-party supplier can guarantee that using an aftermarket product will never affect a warranty claim.

Before treating equipment that is still under warranty:

  • Check the owner’s manual

  • Confirm the required lubricant specifications

  • Review the manufacturer’s warranty conditions

  • Keep servicing and application records

  • Ask the manufacturer or authorised service agent if you are uncertain

Using UNIGLIDE does not replace the need to use the correct approved lubricant or follow the manufacturer’s servicing schedule.