Harare, (New Ziana) — Caltex has intensified efforts to equip Zimbabwean mechanics with technical knowledge on lubricant selection, warning that the use of incorrect oils can result in costly equipment damage and unnecessary maintenance expenses.
The company held a mechanics training programme in Harare on Saturday, bringing together mechanics and sales personnel as part of an initiative aimed at improving understanding of lubricant specifications, equipment protection and after-sales technical support.
Speaking during the training, Caltex Lubricants engineer Tinashe Matarirano said the programme was designed to address one of the often-overlooked factors affecting vehicle and machinery performance — choosing the correct lubricant.
“Today we’re conducting a mechanics training where we’re reinforcing the importance of choosing the right lubricant and the effects of using the wrong lubricant on our equipment, which will in turn cost us much more than we might normally,” Matarirano said.
He said mechanics play a critical role in ensuring that motorists and businesses use lubricants suited to the specific requirements of their vehicles and equipment.
The training is part of a broader programme being rolled out across the country, with Caltex having conducted a similar session in Bulawayo last week targeting mechanics and sales personnel.
“From our training today, we’re mainly focused on the Harare mechanics, but we also have some sales people who are here so that they understand how they can best recommend the lubricant,” Matarirano said.
Beyond selling lubricant
Matarirano said Caltex’s value proposition went beyond simply supplying oil, highlighting technical support and oil analysis as key components of its service.
He said the company’s “bumper-to-bumper warranty” was one of the features distinguishing its lubricants from competing products.
“We’re saying that if we’re doing oil analysis, we’re monitoring the condition of the oil in the equipment, and if it fails, we can prove that the lubricant caused the failure, then under the bumper-to-bumper warranty, we can replace that equipment for you,” he said.
He added that the company maintains a technical team dedicated to supporting customers after the sale.
“We just don’t dump the product to you, but we come to you, and then we do after-sales support. I believe that’s the greatest differentiating factor,” Matarirano said.
Caltex’s emphasis on oil analysis is consistent with the broader technical approach of its lubricant business.
“With over 90 years of existence of the Caltex brand, we’ve done deep research and development, ensuring that the product meets the expectations and exceeds the expectations,” said Matarirano.
He added that the company’s focus on technical education was therefore aimed at ensuring that the quality of the lubricant was matched by correct application in the field.
Astron Energy, which is the licensed operator of the Caltex lubricant brand in Southern Africa, says its lubricants are designed to help reduce maintenance costs, minimize component failure and improve equipment reliability.
Its lubricant manufacturing plant is also certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Caltex’s Zimbabwe footprint
Caltex remains a recognised lubricant brand in Zimbabwe, with its products distributed through authorised local distributors.
New Ziana
