October 14, 2024
How The Whale Oil Ban Led To A Surge In Transmission Failures and Repair Shops
In the mid-20th century, whale oil was an essential ingredient in many industrial applications. Most people today would be surprised to learn that it even played a crucial role in the smooth operation of car transmissions. Whale oil’s remarkable properties made it an ideal lubricant additive, but its use came to an abrupt end in 1972 with the passing of the Endangered Species Act, which banned the hunting of whales. This shift had far-reaching consequences, not only for the whales themselves but also for the automotive industry, sparking a cascade of problems and leading to a surge in transmission repair